Evidence Library

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the views of non-commercial heath-research funding bodies on public participation in funding decisions. The researchers interviewed at least two members of staff from ten different organisations. This included staff with responsibilities for public participation and staff involved in funding decision-making. Only two of these organisations involved the public in funding decision-making processes. Public involvement tended to be more active and embedded in organisations that fund applied health and social research than those funding biomedical and physical sciences. In these cases, the aim of the involvement was to access the expertise and knowledge of specific groups, for example people with experience of a health condition. Other organisations tended to have a narrower view of relevant expertise – limited to the technical knowledge of scientists. Some were concerned that the subjective views and values of the public might damage the integrity of science. The authors conclude that for research to have maximum impact on health care policy and practice there needs to be more sensitivity to different kinds of expertise and knowledge and the underlying values across science and society.

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Categories: health
public health
social care
nature and extent of public involvement in research
journal article

Date Entered: 2014/08/19

Date Edited: 2014/08/19