Abstract
BACKGROUND: Public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) is increasingly valued for improving the quality and relevance of health research. Patient research partners (PRPs) offer lived experience of a previous myocardial infarction and cardiac distress that can enhance study design and implementation. This protocol describes one out of four studies in a larger project aiming to adapt and evaluate a stress recovery intervention for adults (aged < 55) after myocardial infarction with cardiac distress. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to explore PRPs' perceived impact on the design, implementation, and evaluation of the internet-delivered behavioral stress recovery intervention Balance in Everyday Life (iBEL), and to describe the process of their involvement in research activities. This study employs a PPIE approach to systematically involve PRP: s throughout all phases of the research project. METHODS: Five to eight PRPs with lived experiences of a previous myocardial infarction and cardiac distress will participate in a series of structured online workshops across all phases of the project. They provide feedback on intervention materials and study procedures. Data are collected using impact logs, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires, and will be analyzed using thematic analysis. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to generate insights into how sustained PRP involvement can be integrated into behavioral intervention research. It will highlight how PRPs influence decision-making processes in real time, and how this aligns with scientific and practical considerations. CONCLUSION: The present study provides insights into the perceived impact of PRPs on the design, implementation, and evaluation of the iBEL intervention, highlighting both effective aspects and challenges of patient involvement, and offering guidance for integrating PRP input in behavioral intervention research. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. This study does not involve a clinical trial requiring registration.