The Canadian Cochrane Symposium designed for consumers

Increasingly, researchers are recognizing the value of consumer input into research. Last year, a Cochrane review found that involving consumers in research had several benefits. When patients got involved to help develop patient information material, the clarity and relevance of that material was improved. The methods we use to connect consumers with researchers makes a difference too. The review found that telephone calls and face-to-face meetings might engage consumers more and change priority setting than mailed questionnaires. It may be that personal contact between researchers and people living with arthritis benefits the research process. The potential benefits of including consumers’ ideas and opinions are more appropriate, relevant health care, improved health outcomes and better use of research findings. An opportunity for consumers to become involved in research is coming up at the 6th Annual Canadian Cochrane Symposium, which will take place March 6-7, 2008 in Edmonton, Alberta (http://www.ccs2008.ca). Several workshops are tailored especially for consumers. For consumers new to the Cochrane Collaboration, an introduction to Cochrane is planned. Consumers can expect to gain an understanding of the importance of evidence-based health care. The organization and role of Cochrane and the involvement of consumers in Cochrane activities will also be discussed.

For new and experienced consumers who would like training in providing feedback to Cochrane reviewers, a workshop called, Providing the consumer prospective: How to comment on Cochrane reviews and protocols is also offered. People who attend this workshop can expect to become familiar with the checklist for providing feedback and to understand what types of comments are usually given by consumers. Consumers will also have a chance to review and comment on a Cochrane protocol in an informal group setting with the help of the workshop leader and other experienced consumers.

Consumers of all levels of experience might be interested in learning about various different types of research. A workshop called, All research designs are not created equally: What can we learn from different study types will help consumers become familiar with different research designs and what we can expect to learn from them. Consumers can also learn some quick tips on what to watch for when reading reports of health research in the media or on the Internet. A discussion of what it means to be a participant in various research studies is also offered.

In addition to the formal workshops and presentations, the symposium is a great opportunity to meet other consumers with an interest in Cochrane. As it becomes more widely recognized that consumer involvement is an important component of health care, researchers will continue to value consumer participation and support consumers as they participate in meetings and conferences such as the Canadian Cochrane Symposium. If you are interested in taking this opportunity to learn more and become involved in Cochrane activities, please contact Cheryl Arratoon at cochrane@uottawa.ca to register. We hope to see you in Edmonton!