Table 3 Enabling factors to support the independent consumer review of research
From: From inclusion to independence – Training consumers to review research
Themes | Enabling factors |
|---|---|
Participants | Establish whether future participants have a true interest in the training and research review process. |
Identify and work to the circumstances and capacity of the participants e.g. where possible align key spokesperson status for each research funding applications with the experience and knowledge of individual consumers. | |
Include participant views and requests in the development of the training and review process by calling for regular targeted feedback. | |
Systems | Provide clear formal policies and protocols for the review process and related responsibilities, including conflict management guidelines. |
Make available dedicated resources (costs associated with training manual and program development and production) and visible staff support that continue to grow with the needs and capabilities of the participants. | |
In parallel to the training, ensure that appropriate organisational information (policy and procedure in relation to the consumer review structure and process) is constructed in line with all requirements so the newly developed course of action is workable and becomes ingrained. | |
Instruction | Ensure there are adequate confidence gaining opportunities (such as trialing an actual review process) to increase familiarity and experience. |
Ensure the end outcome (research review) is the focus of all aspects of the training. | |
Provide appropriate information targeted specifically to the research review process through relevant content filtering to enable continual update of resources needed by, or useful to, participants (including information separated out and identified by participants). | |
Involve confident experts in the design and delivery of the training and review process. | |
Motivation | Establish a genuine perception among participants that they are making a difference. |
Create a sense of recognition and ownership of the review task. | |
Generate and maintain enthusiasm so that the distinct focus and vision can be achieved. | |
Promote group cohesion and unity, and ensure the 'culture' developed is a positive one. | |
Allow free speech and the free flow of information among participants. |