Evidence Library

Abstract: Aim: To identify how deliberative methods (a two-way dialogue between the public and researchers/ government/ other agencies) have been used in public health and health policy research. Methods: A review of international literature. Findings/ recommendations: The results revealed that ten different types of techniques have been used to capture the views of the public. These approaches also involve three different types of public. Citizens are considered to be able to reflect on community interests and are involved as a way of improving democratic decision-making. Consumers are asked to reflect on their personal preferences and are involved in order to find out what people affected by the issue would accept. Advocates are people with expert knowledge from interest groups, and are most often involved as expert witnesses. Projects that have been commissioned by policymakers typically involve advocates and citizens/ consumers as a way of understanding the differences between their perspectives. Many of the published examples of the use of deliberative techniques have been academic studies designed to prove that the public can engage with complex policy decisions, understand the technical information and form reasoned judgments. The researchers conclude that deliberative methods would be improved by being clearer about the purpose of the approach, defining the precise role of the public (citizen versus consumer) and explaining the rationale for engaging this type of public.

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Categories: health
public health
nature and extent of public involvement in research
reflecting on public involvement in research
journal article

Date Entered: 2015/07/06

Date Edited: 2015/07/06