Do you have consumers already involved in your research project or plan to engage with them soon? Annelise Morris (Health Translation SA Senior Project Officer) share’s her top 5 tips on engaging consumers in research below!

🧑 ENGAGE EARLY – bring consumers on board in the planning/preparation phase of the project.

✔️ CLARIFY EXPECTATIONS – clearly articulate the consumer’s role and how their input will be used to inform the project.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS – consumer engagement is strongest when genuine, two-way relationships exist between researchers and consumers

💡 BE WILLING TO CHANGE – consider how the project can be adjusted or re-directed when new ideas are shared

📧 KEEP IN REGULAR CONTACT – keep consumers updated on the progress of the project so they are more prepared for the next stage of engagement.

Need more help? Email Annelise.Morris@healthtranslationsa.org.au or checkout our Consumer Engagement in Research Toolkit on the HTSA website 👉 https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/community-engagement-toolkit/