Evidence Library

Abstract: In this article, the authors unpick a ‘paradox’ within patient and public involvement. They suggest that the benefits of patient and public involvement derive from the patient/ member of the public bringing a lay perspective to the research. However, they also suggest that through formal training and ‘on the job’ familiarisation with research, the patient/ member of the public becomes professionalised. As a result, their ability to act as a lay person is undermined, which may mean that they no longer bring the benefits of ‘layness’ to the project. The authors therefore conclude that we should not seek to train lay people in research and that patients/ members of the public should not be actively involved in carrying out research. Involvement should be limited to the non-research stages, including making funding decisions, prioritising research agendas, overseeing research governance and ethical review.

External link: The following links will take you to information on this entry on an external website. INVOLVE is not responsible for the content or the reliability of the external websites. Click here

Related entry: Click to view

Categories: health
public health
reflecting on public involvement in research

Date Entered: 2014/10/28

Date Edited: 2014/10/28