In a short pilot study we systematically involved healthcare consumers in identifying research topics, and prioritizing, commissioning and reporting evaluations of health technologies. We analysed records of consumers' suggestions for their content and, wherever possible, compared them with suggestions from academics and staff of the UK National Health Service. Consumers tended to highlight issues about patients' views, social contexts, information and support needs, long-term outcomes, and dissemination of research findings to consumers. These issues were usually not addressed by professionals who tended to focus more on technical and economic aspects of the work.
Consumers made unique contributions and brought fresh ideas and skills, which were readily incorporated, into the programme. Their direct involvement promises to better satisfy the information needs of those who use the NHS, and similar approaches may be applied to evaluating other public services.
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