By Andrea Short and Alexandra Dedman
Over the course of this One Medicine month, we have explored the value of patient and public involvement in research – that is, the process of including patients, carers, families, and other members of the public to help shape the research and research processes that affect them.
We’ve presented to you some of the work of our own innovative Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) group – one of the first ever formal initiatives to include people and animal guardians in the shaping of studies that affect animal patients.
We’ve also talked about initial results from the PGIE group’s first project – to develop the outline of a One Medicine Framework. The aim of this outline is to begin to offer guidance for collaborative research and clinical practice, involving both human and non-human patients.
And, perhaps most importantly, we’ve heard from individual members of the PGIE group, who have told us why they wanted to join our PGIE initiative.
From helping to ensure that animal patients are represented through their guardians in patient studies, to participating in evidence-based One Medicine in action, and working to improve animal welfare, it is noticeable that each member had a different reason for joining the PGIE group.
This is exciting because we know that a variety of input makes for stronger work. We know that to push One Medicine forward, and to help make sure that One Medicine research involving human and animal patients is ethical, well designed, and effective, we need a multitude of voices, experiences, and opinions. We’re proud that together, our PGIE group has begun this vital conversation. And we’re so grateful to every single member of the PGIE group for giving up their time and effort freely, to help make this a reality.
Why PGIE matters for One Medicine
One Medicine recognises that many diseases occur naturally in both humans and animals, and that studying these conditions collaboratively can accelerate progress for all. Crucially, it prioritises research involving real patients rather than artificially induced disease models.
But this approach also raises questions about how best to deliver patient research. Animal patients cannot give informed consent. They rely entirely on guardians and clinicians to represent their interests. So how do we make sure their needs are met, in the most ethical way?
This challenge is not unique: human medicine must also protect patients who lack capacity through surrogate decision-making and heightened ethical oversight. Patient and guardian involvement is one way of helping to strengthen this process. The ethical logic is consistent. Where vulnerability exists, stronger — not weaker — protections are required.
Aligning ethical thinking across human and veterinary medicine does not mean treating animals as humans. It means applying shared principles — welfare, proportionality, transparency and justice — in a way that is appropriate to species and context.
Importantly, patient and guardian involvement in shaping research is advisory, not directive. It is designed to support clinical professionals by improving study design, communication and trust.
Through a co-design process involving guardians, veterinary and human healthcare professionals, scientists and researchers, Humanimal Trust’s PGIE work has highlighted shared concerns around animal welfare, transparency, consent and governance — alongside practical challenges faced in clinical practice.
Join the conversation
This work is not intended to be the final word.
Humanimal Trust’s ethical framework and PGIE approach will continue to evolve, shaped by feedback, experience and discussion. That is why we would like to hear from you.
Veterinary professionals:
- What ethical challenges do you encounter in clinical research or trials?
- What support would be most helpful in practice?
Human medical professionals:
- Which aspects of human research ethics or patient involvement do you think could most effectively inform veterinary clinical trials?
- What might veterinary medicine offer in return?
Animal guardians:
- What information or safeguards would you want in place before considering research participation for your animal?
Researchers and collaborators:
- How can ethical alignment and engagement strengthen One Medicine research across species?
Everyone:
- Would a detailed framework document be valuable and supportive for you?
Ethical frameworks are strongest when they reflect the realities of those they are designed to serve. We invite you to share your perspectives, questions and experiences — and to help shape the future of ethical, collaborative clinical research for both human and non-human animals. Email info@humanimaltrust.org.uk to contribute.
Find out more about our PGIE Group.