What is research?
Research involves the study and order of evidence to grow an understanding of a certain topic. Research can create new knowledge, and use existing knowledge to explore new concepts. It aims to fill gaps in our knowledge.
This new knowledge helps us to better understand: how things work, why things happen, and helps us to compare our choices. Research gives us the information we need to make decisions.
All research starts with a question. There are many ways researchers can find the answers to these questions. They may watch patients over time to see how their condition changes. They may do physical exams or do blood test blood. They may see how patients think and feel by asking them to fill in a survey or interview.
Storytime:
Many people don’t realize is that most of us apply the fundamental concepts of research in our everyday lives.
Here’s an example: Imagine someone is travelling out-of-state for work….
They’re hungry. (That is a need).
They don’t know a good local place to eat. (That is a knowledge gap).
They think about the best way to get the information they need. Should they ask Google, the concierge, or one of their work colleagues? (That is study design).
They start Googling. (That is data collection).
They check out some menus. (That is data analysis).
They use the information they have gathered to compare their options and make a decision.
In reality, of course, there are many more things that researchers must do to make sure the new information they create through research is reliable and useful. You will learn a little more about each of these steps in the training module entitled ‘The Research Cycle’. For now, the important thing to remember is that, when you remove all the complexity and jargon, research proceeds in a simple and logical series of steps. And, as a consumer, your knowledge and expertise is vital to every single one.
What is a consumer?
A consumer is a person who uses a service. For example, a person who buys products at the shops.
In health research, a ‘consumer’ is someone affected by a health condition or illness. For example, someone who used a hospital or clinic. Consumers are people with ‘lived experience’. They can be patients, caregivers, family members or members of the general community.
What is consumer involvement in research?
Consumer involvement in research is working with people with lived experience.
It is research ‘with’ or ‘by’ consumer rather than ‘about’ or ‘for’ consumers. Consumers involved may represent their own or an organisation’s perspective and/or interest.
In the past, research has not always involved consumers. This aims to achieve better outcomes for all through advocating the consumer perspective.