Relevance to patients/consumers:

This session will bring together all people involved in the production and dissemination of Cochrane evidence (consumers, authors, Editors, Fields, Centres and partners) to examine how consumers are involved in the knowledge translation process and the Cochrane ‘ecosystem’, showcasing examples of current practice, engaging in a dialogue about how, collectively, we can build on existing practice to broaden and deepen it.

Background

Consumer involvement is vital to Cochrane’s work as it (i) promotes transparency, accountability and trust in the way that research is produced; (ii) results in evidence that addresses consumers’ needs, reduces waste in research, improves the translation of research into policy and practice, and ultimately leads to improved benefits for health systems and outcomes for patients; (iii)  is consistent with current health research approaches and is expected or mandated by our funders, partners and consumers. Cochrane believes that the benefits of consumer involvement are best realised when consumers contribute throughout the process of production and dissemination of research.

Cochrane’ Knowledge Translation Framework aspires to enable greater consumer participation in Cochrane activities and aims to result in better translation of Cochrane knowledge to those making decisions about their own health or the health of people for whom they care.

This special session will bring together members of all stakeholder groups with an interest in consumer involvement to showcase examples of consumer involvement in research from priority setting to the development of guidelines and decision aids. It will be part of the process of shaping a Cochrane post 2020 strategy for the future engagement with, and active involvement of healthcare consumers and embedding these processes through all aspects of Cochrane’s work.

Objectives:

• To bring together all stakeholders in Cochrane (consumers, authors, Editors, Fields, Centres, partners and users) in the production of Cochrane evidence for a dialogue about the future of consumer involvement in Cochrane
• To showcase ways in which consumers are currently involved in producing and disseminating Cochrane evidence throughout the review cycle (‘Cochrane ecosystem’)
• To identify ways that meaningful consumer involvement can be embedded in Cochrane

Participants will be able to: 

• Learn about the importance of consumer involvement in the Cochrane review process (Cochrane ‘ecosystem’) and Knowledge Translation Framework
• Hear showcased examples of current practice within Cochrane and our partner organisations that impact on Cochrane evidence. Indicative topics to be included: priority setting, outcomes identification, peer review, guidelines development, and others to be confirmed
• Actively engage in a dialogue with all Cochrane stakeholders about how to embed meaningful involvement in future practice

Level of difficulty

An understanding of patient/consumer involvement in research, evidence synthesis and consumer involvement in Cochrane would be an advantage but not essential.

With thanks to Consumer Executive members for their contributions to this special session.