What does it mean to involve consumers successfully in NHS research? A consensus study.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain consensus on the principles and indicators of successful consumer involvement in NHS research.


METHODS
Consensus methods were used. An expert workshop, employing the nominal group technique was used to generate potential principles and indicators. A two-round postal Delphi process was used to obtain consensus on the principles and indicators.


METHODS
Participants were drawn from health, social care, universities and consumer organizations. A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify people who had experience and/or knowledge of consumer involvement in NHS research. Six researchers and seven consumers participated in an expert workshop. Ninety-six people completed both rounds of the Delphi process.


METHODS
Consensus on principles and indicators of successful consumer involvement in NHS research.


RESULTS
Eight principles were developed through an expert workshop and Delphi process, and rated as both clear and valid. Consensus was reached on at least one clear and valid indicator by which to measure each principle.


CONCLUSIONS
Consensus has been obtained on eight principles of successful consumer involvement in NHS research. They may help commissioners, researchers and consumers to deepen their understanding of this issue, and can be used to guide good practice.
Telford
Rosemary
R
Sheffield Care Trust, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. r.telford@sheffield.ac.uk
Boote
Jonathan D
JD
Cooper
Cindy L
CL
D003256:Community Participation; D003697:Delphi Technique; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D006113:United Kingdom