How public involvement can help to develop research and policy: The experience of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies Smokers Panel
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Author(s)
Karen Evans, Dr Lucy Hackshaw and Cathy French
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| Presenter(s) |
Dr Lucy Hackshaw Research Officer in Applied Health Policy Research, University of Bath / UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies |
Karen Evans PhD Research Student, University of Bath |
Abstract Public involvement can help integrate lay perspectives into complex issues to inform research and policy. With an increasing number of tobacco control policies being implemented, involving smokers in discussing these policies can reduce the risk of distrust and alienation and facilitate implementation. It also adds to knowledge and understanding regarding new avenues for research and policy.
In 2008 the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies formed a Smokers Panel, consisting of 25 smokers in the South-West region. It aimed to foster engagement with smokers who could help to identify relevant research questions, aid recruitment of subjects into trials and help broadcast research findings. Members were paid for their time and travel, and have to date attended up to five meetings, which were audio-recorded.
Topics covered so far included ‘Becoming a smoker’, ‘Policies to prevent uptake’, ‘Understanding the tobacco industry’, ‘Impact of mass media campaigns on smoking cessation’ and ‘Incentives for smoking cessation’.
This poster presents images and summarises the perspectives of the Smokers Panel on some of these key themes. It highlights the benefits of public involvement. A member of the Smokers Panel will be attending the conference and available to discuss his participation with delegates that view the poster.
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Source of funding: This work is funded by the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies
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Declaration of interest: None
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