Evidence Library

Abstract:

This article reflects on the ways in which the impact of public involvement in research has been assessed. The vast majority of reports of impact are based on observational studies or case studies. These are often purely descriptive. They describe the context and how the involvement was carried out and the impact – but they do not make the links between context, mechanism and outcome. They have therefore contributed to our understanding of general good practice, but have not helped to explain when and how a particular approach to involvement works well. The authors argue that using an approach based on realistic evaluation would provide a more in-depth understanding of these links. This would involve designing studies of involvement to test out theories of how involvement makes a difference. The findings from such studies would support a more strategic approach to involvement.   

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Categories: health
public health
social care
reflecting on public involvement in research
journal article

Date Entered: 2012/10/23

Date Edited: 2015/02/19