What is consumer and community involvement in research? Who are consumers? How can consumers use their knowledge, experience and insights to improve research, clinical care and outcomes for patients?
The White Coats Foundation (WCF) aims to raise general awareness about the role of clinical trials in advancing medical science and healthcare and as part of that effort they have observed much confusion about the ways in which consumers can contribute. The difference between involvement and participation and engagement requires greater clarity and awareness.
As part of the education arm of WCF, they are running a 2-part webinar series on 'De-Mystifying Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) in Research'.
The forthcoming WCF webinar series is an opportunity for stakeholders with an interest in or focus on CCI in research to talk about, ask questions, learn, and share the work they are doing. In bringing key stakeholders together. WCF hope to raise awareness; foster improved understanding; help reduce duplication of effort, encourage collaboration, and identify any gaps in current improvement efforts/progress.
The workshops will aim to:
- Provide clarification on what “consumer and community involvement” in research means.
- Provide insight into the training options available to support consumers with basic skills and knowledge to effectively engage in research.
- Explore the barriers to consumer engagement.
- Explore pathways that can facilitate the connection of researchers and consumers. These avenues are underdeveloped and need to be reviewed.
- Explore feedback mechanisms to consumers on outcomes of involvement and ensure participation is value adding.
The webinars are aimed at consumers that might be interested in contributing to research, and researchers who are interested in involving consumers would also benefit.