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Lay reviewers are patients, carers and members of the public who review health and social care research applications from a patient perspective.

Researchers submit proposals for research to the NIHR for funding. These proposal are then assessed by a group consisting of clinicians, academics, health workers, and lay people who all have expertise, interest or experience of a particular illness or condition.

Irene McGill is a Lay Reviewer for the NIHR. Here, she explains what it involves and why she chose to become a lay reviewer.

“I am passionate about patient involvement in health and social care research and being a lay reviewer allows me to extend that passion. I have done this for the past 10 years, and have reviewed many research funding applications over that time.

“I have always been interested in research and many years ago I did a degree in Social Research Methodology, so I had some idea of the methods used, along with the experience of being a patient with different conditions. The NIHR are very supportive and are always there to help out and offer guidance.

“I look at the role of patient and public involvement (PPI) in the research process and examine how the researchers have included patient views, the patient voice and consulted with patients whilst developing the research project. Lay reviewers are only asked to review research proposals that are about their own particular illnesses and conditions. As a patient you have a lived experience of that illness or condition and can offer a valuable and expert contribution to the research project.

“I will read the proposal focusing on the role, the tasks and the level of PPI in the research and whether it meets the criteria set out by the NIHR for PPI involvement. I will then offer comments and if necessary suggest ways of improving PPI involvement, before finally making a recommendation about whether or not to approve funding for the project.

“The work is confidential and of course not all research proposals are funded, but advice is given as to why the research proposal did not succeed.

“Lay reviewers are offered training, ongoing support, usually with a named NIHR worker and feedback throughout their role. They are also offered payment for their time.

“The role of offers many rewards. As well as the monetary reward there is the thought that you have helped out in some important new intervention or drug that goes on to benefit patients. You also get to learn about the latest treatments, techniques and drugs concerning your particular condition. I am retired so for me it is a way to contribute to health research and of course you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

“It allows you to ensure that the patient voice is an integral part of research that their needs are addressed and that they are consulted along the way. The role of PPI involvement has improved enormously over time. When I started ten years ago the role of the patient in research was just developing and not everyone saw the benefit or the need for PPI.

“However today this has greatly improved and patients are consulted throughout most research projects. The value of the patient, the carer and the public in research is finally being recognised as paramount.”

Irene McGill – Lay Reviewer