Premium
The progress of lay involvement in the NHS Research and Development programme
Author(s) -
Oliver S.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of evaluation in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.737
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2753
pISSN - 1356-1294
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2753.1996.tb00057.x
Subject(s) - process (computing) , project commissioning , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , publishing , public relations , engineering ethics , medical education , psychology , political science , computer science , engineering , family medicine , law , operating system
The Central Research and Development Committee is seeking to involve lay perspectives in the NHS R&D Programme. This paper describes some recent examples of lay involvement in each step of the research process from setting the agenda to making use of research findings. Innovative approaches have involved lay people in identifying research need and in the subsequent commissioning process. Lay contributions have given particular emphasis to information and support, whether this is in maternity care, cancer care, HIV prevention, participation in clinical trials or systematically reviewing evidence of effectiveness. Difficulties in identifying appropriate lay people to involve in research, their different skills, their lack of resources and support and their need for time for thought and discussion with their peers have all posed problems. Suggestions for overcoming some of these obstacles are presented, including resources, training and support, and clarification of the role, nature and potential for lay involvement. Lastly this paper considers the urgent need to learn from the efforts made so far, possible approaches to evaluation and how this is being addressed by a newly convened advisory group to the Central R&D Committee.