Amplifying consumers as partners in dissemination and implementation science and practice

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Dissemination and Implementation Science

Background:

• Advocates for amplifying consumer (patient and family) voices as essential partners in health research.
• Highlights the underutilization of consumer perspectives in current scientific practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for the critical role of consumers in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science and practice.
• To provide actionable recommendations for integrating consumer engagement into D&I frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and argument based on existing literature and practice.
• Contends that consumer opinion and demand can actively influence healthcare practitioners and policymakers.

Main Results:

• Empowering consumers enhances the relevance and applicability of evidence-based health interventions.
• Identifies testimonials and lived experience as key forms of evidence valued by consumers.
• Proposes frameworks for effective consumer engagement in D&I.

Conclusions:

• Emphasizes the need to sustain and grow consumer involvement in D&I science.
• Aims to foster a paradigm shift towards co-creation in health intervention research and practice.