Improving patient engagement and PPIE involvement in the NHS
October 31, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Implementing digital tools to improve patient engagement and PPIE involvement in the NHS
This webinar will explore how to bring patients into the process of health innovation, explore patient attitudes to digital, and help clinicians to shape the adoption and use of different digital tools within their own workflows.
Speakers
Ayad Marhoon
Ayad Marhoon is a dedicated professional serving as a Simulated Patient and Communication Skills Trainer at the Leeds Institute of Medical Education, University of Leeds. In this role, he contributes to the training of medical students by providing realistic patient interactions, thereby enhancing their clinical communication skills.
Ayad holds a degree in psychology from University College London and an MSc in Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology from King’s College London.
In addition to his academic and training roles, Ayad is the Director of Turathi CIC, where he applies his expertise to broader community initiatives.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019 at the age of 21, Ayad actively shares his experiences to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges. He contributes as a blogger for the MS Society, discussing topics such as living with MS, faith, and personal growth.
Through his multifaceted roles, Ayad demonstrates a commitment to enhancing medical education, supporting community well-being, and advocating for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Barbara Molony-Oates
Barbara is a strategic and compassionate healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience spanning public involvement and engagement, clinical radiotherapy, research, and cross-sector collaboration. She have a proven track record in operational transformation, inclusive leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Barbara is adept at managing complex projects, influencing policy, and championing equity in healthcare systems.
Jools Symons
Jools is the Patient and Public Involvement Manager and Communication Skills Lead at the Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME). She has built up a community of over 200 active members of the Patient | Carer Community (PCC) at LIME and has also formed and leads the Lived Experience Network (LEN), an international community for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in education and healthcare. She has worked in higher education for over 23 years as an advocate for the full involvement of patients and carers in all aspects of the curriculum.
She is a campaigner for the recognition of the knowledge and value they bring to education, striving to ‘work with’ rather than ‘use’ patients and carers. As a former carer, she is passionate about partnership working in undergraduate medical education and continues to prove that patients and carers can be successful creators and deliverers of teaching, evaluation, and dissemination. As an internationally recognised expert on PPI in health education, she has worked in many countries including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan training colleagues to deliver patient centred communication skills. She has written for several publications such as the British Medical Journal, Health Expectations and Practice Development in Healthcare on issues such as patients as teachers and shared decision making. She has also co-authored a chapter on Preparing for Patient-centred Practice in Beyond Reflective Practice.
Jools is an innovator and continues to push the boundaries of patient, carer, and family involvement in healthcare education. ”
