Consumer Research Panel – A Guide for Researchers
The Compass Consumer Research Panel is a recently established resource for Compass researchers to use at any stage of the research process.
What is the Panel for?
The panel has been set up to provide comment, input and ideas around SUPAC research matters throughout the Collaborative, and may be consulted on a range of research issues, which require a lay person’s perspective.
Its main functions are -
- To contribute feedback on new research initiatives or proposals
- To provide a lay perspective on specific issues
- To contribute to the process of generating ideas for research
Who are the Panel members?
- The panel consists of 16 people, from across the UK and is chaired by Peter Rainey, a cancer patient and member of the COMPASS Advisory Group.
- All members of the panel have experience of cancer either as a patient, family member, carer or close friend.
- Panel members have different levels of experience in consumer involvement
- The Panel members offer experience of both rarer and more common cancers
- Panel members also have a wide range of professional and life skills.
How can I use the Panel?
Panel members could potentially help you with any of the following:
- Idea generation
- Formulation of your precise research question,
- Giving feedback on patient/carer priorities
- Development of an outline proposal into funding bid
- Protocol writing
- Endorsing – or challenging - your thinking about methodology
- Questionnaire development
- Suggestions & feedback on your recruitment strategy
- Suggestions & feedback on your patient information literature
- Suggestions about how to involve other consumers, perhaps as research partners, members of a trial management or reference groups
- Dissemination of research
How do I access the Panel?
In the first instance, contact either Marilyn Kendall, COMPASS User Involvement Coordinator or Peter Rainey, Chair who will forward your request to the consumer panel members.
Some Guidelines on Using the Panel
Be clear about what you need. A bland request for “comments” risks a bland and unfocussed response .You can maximise the value of the panel’s contribution by identifying clearly, and in lay terms, what you want to achieve and what specific help you need.
Seek involvement early. Consumers can often add the most value at the earlier stages, but are all too often involved only at the later stages of the research cycle. Last minute requests, when you are facing a deadline, are unlikely to be successful or rewarding for anyone.
Be inclusive. Try to regard panel members as collaborators, able to contribute at all stages of the process.
Provide feedback. Please let us know how the contributions from the panel have helped you – or not.
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