Independent guidance for better public participation in health and care research
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Public reviewing in health and care research

A self-directed course for public contributors who review research documents, take part in review panels or want to understand the public perspective in funding decisions.

Explore the modulesHow to use this course
Course overview

Build confidence for a constructive review

This learning resource introduces public reviewing across health and social care research. It covers the role of public contributors, the questions that can help when reviewing and ways to communicate feedback clearly.

The course is designed for people who are new to reviewing as well as those who want to refresh their approach. Researchers, research managers and funders may also find it useful when preparing documents for public review.

What public reviewing involves

Public reviewers bring experience, insight and practical questions to research proposals and documents. Their feedback can help teams consider relevance, clarity, accessibility and the quality of planned public involvement.

How to use the course

  • Each module can be used on its own, so you can choose the area most relevant to your current role.
  • Work through the material at a pace that suits you, returning to a module when your learning needs change.
  • Modules one and two provide a useful starting point for new public reviewers.
  • Module three offers prompts for reviewing a document or contributing as a committee member.
Three modules

Choose a learning route

Open the online module, use an accessible version or download a document format for each topic.

What is included

Practical material for reviewers

The course focuses on useful preparation and thoughtful questions, rather than a fixed set of rules.

A

Reviewing context

Understand how public reviews may contribute at different stages of health and care research.

B

Useful questions

Prompts to help you identify what is clear, what needs explaining and where public insight may be valuable.

C

Clear feedback

Ideas for preparing comments that are specific, balanced and helpful to the team receiving them.

Why this resource matters

Public insight can improve research decisions

Reviewing gives public contributors an opportunity to consider research from the perspective of people who may be affected by it.

Good review processes explain the purpose of the work, allow time for questions and show how comments are considered. This course supports contributors and research teams to approach those conversations with clarity.

Read researcher briefing notes
Small group discussing notes during a research meeting
Common questions

Questions about public reviewing

Who is this course for?

It is for public contributors who have been invited to comment on a research document or support a review panel. It can also help researchers and research managers understand the public review process.

Do I need previous reviewing experience?

No. The first two modules are a useful introduction for people who are new to research reviewing and public involvement.

Do I need to complete the modules in order?

No. Each module stands alone. You can begin with the topic that best fits your experience and current role.

Can researchers use the material?

Yes. The course can help research teams consider how their documents may be read by public reviewers and where plain language or fuller explanation is needed.

Is a public review the same as taking part in research?

No. Taking part in research usually means contributing data to a study. Public reviewing means offering insight on decisions, documents or plans that shape the research.

Where can I find more learning resources?

Visit the learning and development section or explore the wider resource centre.

Need a starting point?

Find the right resource for your role

If you have a question about this guidance or are looking for related material, contact Involvestory with a short description of what you need.

Email Involvestory