Influencing the research agenda ? findings from an independent evaluation of a Cancer Network Consumer Research Panel

2004 Conference

Development of a local Cancer Network Consumer Research Panel started in April 2002. The aim of the panel was to support and train consumers to be involved in cancer research at all stages of the research process. This paper presents the findings of an independent evaluation of the panel undertaken by the University of Sheffield. The aim of the evaluation was to explore the expectations of the Consumer Research Panel from the perspectives of the consumer panel members, the panel facilitators and the commissioners of the panel and to evaluate the extent to which these expectations have been met.

Mixed methods were used including questionnaires to panel members, focus groups with panel members and semi-structured interviews with the panel facilitators and a member of the Cancer Network Project Board. A consistent theme identified was facilitators and consumers’ interest in consumers being able to influence the research agenda and priorities for cancer research. How far consumers have been able to achieve this and their other expectations will be discussed, expectations of the different stakeholders will be compared and recommendations will be made for setting up and maintaining consumer research panels in the future.