Community members’ experiences training as medical journal reviewers

Abstract

Purpose Although medical research dissemination is intended to benefit members of society, few members of society actually participate in the process of publishing findings. This study shares findings from community members’ (including patients and the public) experiences being trained as medical journal reviewers. Methods We analyzed findings from two focus group interviews of community reviewers (N = 29) to identify themes in their experiences with the training program. Results Community members trained as journal reviewers appreciated learning the context under which manuscript development and review occur from authors and funders, the value of the community member perspectives to science, and strengthened their critical thinking skills. A range of training tools and strategies included glossaries of research terms, creating review guides, practicing reviews, being trained by a supportive team, and working with and learning collaboratively. Conclusions Training as a journal reviewer has a positive impact on participating community members. Programs training community members as journal reviewers should incorporate guest speakers well-versed in community engaged research, group activities, a variety of training tools and materials, and highly supportive training teams.

“They should’ve talked to us more”: lay health advisors’ experiences with community-engaged hypertension research

“…Community members need frequent and adequate communication as well as a full understanding of research requirements when they are engaged in research efforts. Research has found community members can be effectively trained to better understand, engage in research, and be amenable to learning [ 39 , 40 ]. Although most of the LHA training included topics on hypertension, much less focused on different types of study designs and distinctions between research approaches.…”