title: Supporting public involvement in interview and other panels: a systematic review.
abstract: Members of the public are increasingly being invited to become members of a variety of different panels and boards.
  
  
  
  This study aimed to systematically search the literature to identify studies relating to support or training provided to members of the public who are asked to be members of an interview panel.
  
  
  
  A systematic search for published and unpublished studies was carried out from June to September 2015. The search methods included electronic database searching, reference list screening, citation searching and scrutinizing online sources.
  
  
  
  We included studies of any design including published and unpublished documents which outlined preparation or guidance relating to public participants who were members of interview panels or representatives on other types of panels or committees.
  
  
  
  Results were synthesised via narrative methods.
  
  
  
  Thirty-six documents were included in the review. Scrutiny of this literature highlighted ten areas which require consideration when including members of the public on interview panels: financial resources; clarity of role; role in the interview process; role in evaluation; training; orientation/induction; information needs; terminology; support; and other public representative needs such as timing, accessibility and support with information technology.
  
  
  
  The results of the review emphasize a range of elements that need to be fully considered when planning the involvement of public participants on interview panels. It highlights potential issues relating to the degree of involvement of public representatives in evaluating/grading decisions and the need for preparation and on-going support.
authors.affiliation: NIHR Research Design Service Yorkshire and Humber, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clowes
authors.affiliation: NIHR Research Design Service Yorkshire and Humber, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Delia
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Muir
authors.affiliation: NIHR Research Design Service Yorkshire and Humber, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.affiliation: Patient Involvement Member of NIHR RDS Yorkshire and Humber PPI Forum.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Broadway-Parkinson
authors.affiliation: Patient Involvement Member of NIHR RDS Yorkshire and Humber PPI Forum.
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods*; D006075:Governing Board / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D024382:Professional Role
keywords: lay members; public involvement; public participation; public representatives; systematic review