Critical appraisal guidelines for assessing the quality and impact of user involvement in research

Background The involvement of service users in the design and conduct of health research has developed significantly in the UK in recent years. Involving service users is now seen as a core component of good research practice for all forms of health research. Given the important role that users have in health research, it is necessary to develop guidelines for their effective involvement. Whilst guidelines are currently being formulated, there remain no criteria with which to assess user involvement in published studies and funding applications. Objective This study offers guidelines for appraising the quality and impact of user involvement in published papers and grant applications. Methods Appraisal guidelines for user involvement have been developed on the basis of available literature and experiences from studies involving cancer patients and carers in the design and conduct of research. Findings Nine appraisal criteria have been developed. Criteria include issues such as 'Is the rationale for involving users clearly demonstrated?, 'Is the level of user involvement appropriate?, 'Is the recruitment strategy appropriate?, and 'Is the nature of training appropriate?' Conclusion Generating and applying guidelines is vital if the impact of user involvement agenda in health research is to be understood.