Evidence Library
Title: Quantitative impact of including consumers in the scientific review of breast cancer research proposals.
Author: Andejeski, Y., Bisceglio, I., Dickersin, K., Johnson, J., Robinson, S., Smith, H., Visco, F. & Rich, I.
Date Published: 2002
Reference: Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine, 11(4), 379-388.
Are service users or carers authors: Yes
Abstract:
Aim: To assess the impact of involving consumers in scientific review panels. The study focused on the involvement of survivors of breast cancer in the review of research proposals for the US Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Programme in 1995.
Method: A cross-sectional analysis of the scores given to research proposals as well as analysis of the opinions of panel members obtained via questionnaires before and after panel meetings. Analysis was limited to 42 panels that reviewed 2190 proposals. Panel members included 85 consumers and 638 scientists.
Findings/recommendations: In general the average voting patterns of the consumers were very similar to that of the scientists. Final proposal scores were the same as they would have been without consumer involvement in 76% of cases, more favourable for 15% and less favourable for 9%. 84% of scientists and 98% of consumers said consumer involvement on review panels was beneficial.
While the study looked at the impact of involvement on overall voting of proposals, it did not examine the impact on how individual proposals were scored. So it is not known whether consumer input into the meeting had any impact on the scientists' scoring. Most scientists reported no effect. However, one scientist remarked that just having consumers at the table led him to consider the potential impact of each project on breast cancer more carefully.
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Categories: health
Identifying topics, prioritising and commissioning
impact on funding/commissioning
impact of public involvement
journal article
Date Entered: 2006/02/15
Date Edited: 2012/11/20
Additional Info: