Table 2 Examples of benefits described by researchers with previous experience of involving users (n = 37), categorized into five types of beneficial consequences
Beneficial consequence | Descriptions |
|---|---|
Societal relevance | Identify topics/issues from the real world Implementation programme was more focused on the needs the target group had Easier to understand their perspective Relevance of research questions Stay on track on what is really relevant, get different viewpoints Involving carers was of importance to receive knowledge about what they need and what they would want when it comes to online support From a project manager and researcher perspective you might overall focus on developing the product and receive the data that you need BUT when you involve users you might discover that you must consider their life circumstances and what they view as important They represent the target population We could concentrate on those things that mattered most In terms of validity To include their experiences strengthened the relevance of the findings Increase the practice Benefit the public The organization took findings to redesign their intervention approach targeting older people in developing countries |
Research quality | To get help with research questions Yes, we understand things better! To enhance the feasibility of the research design I got some good ideas about what questions to ask in interviews and surveys and possible interpretations of results Input on interpretation of the results Relevant and important feedback on our results as well as our plan on how to move forward. By asking questions we could further be clearer in our way of describing the study The trustworthiness of the intervention increased. Greater person-centredness of the instrument/tool we developed It was beneficial to get a deeper understanding about the whole procedure when it comes to co-designing Refined the results Helped to brainstorm solutions to issues encountered during the implementation phase of the research |
Methodological resources | Helped to increase the accessibility of the chosen research instruments, interview guides/schedules Helped to design more user-friendly experiments Primarily concerning relevant design of the study Achievement of project goals To get help with interview questions and recruitment of participants We could adapt the methods and design of the devices |
Improved implementation | It will make implementation later on easier Implementation of the results in practice Implementation of findings Facilitated implementation of new methods and routines in the organization Possibility for implementation Important input for improving the “product” that was tested/implemented |
Improved communication | Helped to disseminate the research findings in their respective networks and in more accessible ways Increase visibility of our research Our research is acknowledged more |