Background:
Evidence-based research (EBR) is defined as the use of prior research in a systematic and transparent way to inform a new study, so that it answers questions that matter in a valid, efficient and accessible manner. The process of selecting a research question, appropriate methodology to conduct a systematic review and identifying the appropriate research gaps to inform future clinical research involves value judgements at different stages. In the last year, we ere conceptualised the role of patients and members of public in the process, and the responsibilities of researchers to facilitate this involvement – for example:
- what are the most important aspects of the research question/problems that need to be explored in future research e.g. population, variation of intervention, selection of otucomes?
- what aspects are most important to explore in the synthesis of evidence?
- what are the priorities or gaps of evidence based on synthesis of evidence to inform future research?

Objectives:
- to provide an overview of our current framework for patient involvement in the evidence-based research process;
- to reflect critically on the quality and extent of patient involvement in selected examples of evidence-based research; - to lead a critical discussion on which stages of patient involvement are missing from the process, or need to be changed.

Description:
The session will start with an overview of the current framework that the evidence-based research network developed on where and how patient and members of public can be involved in the evidence-based research process. This will be followed by an interactive exercise in which we provide scenarios for how this involvement could work. The participants will be put into groups to appraise each scenario. Finally, we will lead a group discussion on what is missing from the framework and what needs to be modified.