Evaluation and impact

In research, evaluation is often a requirement. Evaluation is not just about outcomes but also learning, reflection and growing together through involvement. Involvement with people living with dementia should be evaluated in ways that feel useful, ethical and affirming to all involved. We need to ask:

“What impact are we measuring, for whom and who decides what counts as impact?”

You might explore:

  • What does a “positive difference” mean?
    • To the research, the researchers and the people with lived experience involved.
  • What works well, or not so well?
    • Make time to evaluate together and build in ongoing learning. Evaluation is not just for the end. Capture insights throughout and use them to shape what happens next. 
  • How did people feel?
    • Include emotional and relational impacts. Consider confidence, connection, trust, enjoyment and sense of partnership.

Not all impact is easily measured. It is important to find out what success looks like for everyone involved. Small things can be significant, like feeling listened to, having an idea taken forward, being thanked meaningfully.

Sharing impact:

  • Celebrate progress and impact together
  • Use clear, accessible formats.
  • Acknowledge people’s contributions publicly and personally.
  • Show what has changed because people got involved.
  • Share what didn’t work and what was learned.

Evaluation tools

There are many tools available to help plan, track, assess and report public involvement. Here, we focus on one example because it supports reflective, values‑led practice.

PIRIT tool 

The PIRIT tool can be used by teams, individuals or whole groups to reflect on involvement activities. It encourages regular, values‑driven reflection.

It offers a simple way to reflect on how things are going; whether after a meeting, project phase or milestone in a project. It helps keep involvement meaningful by encouraging open conversations about:

  • Purpose: Are we clear on what we are trying to do?
  • Impact: What has changed and for whom?
  • Relationships: How are we working together?
  • Inclusion: Who is involved and who might be missing?
  • Takeaway: What are we learning and how will we use it?

You can use PIRIT together with public partners and your team. It supports ongoing learning, communication and helps shape future work in thoughtful ways.