‘Responding’ to advisory/involvement group views, concerns and suggestions can involve a range of actions including:
- Alleviating concerns or fears about research through providing clear information about research procedures, their risks and their potential benefits.
- Incorporating advisory group ideas into research design, implementation, dissemination or engagement methods.
- Discussing, giving clear explanations, why some suggestions were not taken up by the research team.
Overall, clear communication, subsequent responses/actions and regular feedback loops between research leads and the advisory group (often through engagement facilitators) are essential for maximising the contribution of the advisory/involvement group to improving research, and for expressing respect.
