The People's Review protocol: planning an innovative study powered by the public

Area of Science:

• Health Research Methodology
• Citizen Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Systematic reviews are crucial for evidence-based healthcare but are poorly understood by the public.
• Public understanding of systematic reviews can empower informed health choices.
• The People's Review initiative aims to bridge this knowledge gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To involve the public in planning and conducting systematic reviews online.
• To foster public understanding of systematic review processes and their importance.
• To enable the public to utilize systematic reviews for everyday health decisions.

Main Methods:

• A 'learning by doing' approach where the public guides the entire systematic review process.
• Conducting the systematic review online through eight stages on the Cochrane Crowd platform.
• Providing supportive learning materials developed by the project team for each stage.

Main Results:

• The project will enable the public to understand and apply systematic reviews in their health choices.
• Participants will gain practical experience in evidence synthesis.
• This initiative offers a unique online learning experience for public engagement in research.

Conclusions:

• Public involvement in systematic reviews enhances health literacy and decision-making.
• The People's Review provides a novel platform for public engagement in scientific research.
• Further details on the systematic review protocol will be published post-commencement.