Table 3.

Positive and challenging experiences of PIR members

What went well?	Working relationships Establishing clear roles within project Extra support Extra resource	Working together as PIRs and researchers during fieldwork in care homes Feeling part of the project To facilitate the inclusion of frail, elderly ‘vulnerable’ people as research participants More people present during data collection
What was more difficult?	Environment and communication Seeing and hearing about resident's distress Practicalities of arranging PIR involvement ‘Holding’ PIR work by researcher	Potential confusion of roles and responsibilities at time of visit Ease of hearing and talking to residents in communal areas or where residents have hearing problems Hearing or observing situations that do not look or feel right Short notice often given by care home for visits and therefore little time for PIR members to respond Multiple activities researcher has to hold when working with PIR members in terms of time and emotional support needed to provide oversight and supervision for another person alongside data collection activities