Article type
Year
Abstract
Introduction: Since 1996 I am affiliated to the Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field which is coordinated from the Maastricht University. I am the consumer representative in the Advisory Board of this Cochrane Field.
Objectives: Until today, publications on the role of consumers in the Cochrane Collaboration rather deal with policy on what can be done, than on what actually is done. Therefore it is my goal to pay attention to the daily practice of a consumer.
Methods: My paper consists of three parts:
1. I will explain why I was invited as a consumer member in the Advisory Board and why I did agree to become a consumer.
2. I will tell how I give shape to my role as a consumer. For a long time I only had a vague idea about that role. Ultimately I made-up my own plan. I will tell about my activities, what I attained and what is still a challenge. My activities are Advisory Board meetings, Field meetings, following Cochrane Workshops and Handsearching.
3. I will pay attention to my contacts with other consumers since the Amsterdam Colloquium in 1997 and also to the facilities I received from the Field since my membership of the Consumer Network.
Discussion: After three years I understand the structure of the Cochrane Collaboration and the way in which our Field operates. The time is now ripe for some new plans, which I shall reveal at the Colloquium.
Objectives: Until today, publications on the role of consumers in the Cochrane Collaboration rather deal with policy on what can be done, than on what actually is done. Therefore it is my goal to pay attention to the daily practice of a consumer.
Methods: My paper consists of three parts:
1. I will explain why I was invited as a consumer member in the Advisory Board and why I did agree to become a consumer.
2. I will tell how I give shape to my role as a consumer. For a long time I only had a vague idea about that role. Ultimately I made-up my own plan. I will tell about my activities, what I attained and what is still a challenge. My activities are Advisory Board meetings, Field meetings, following Cochrane Workshops and Handsearching.
3. I will pay attention to my contacts with other consumers since the Amsterdam Colloquium in 1997 and also to the facilities I received from the Field since my membership of the Consumer Network.
Discussion: After three years I understand the structure of the Cochrane Collaboration and the way in which our Field operates. The time is now ripe for some new plans, which I shall reveal at the Colloquium.