Lay Reviewers in Science and Research

Researchers learn the issues that stakeholders think are most important, the benefits and burdens of patients in research studies, and prompts a sense of urgency for finding cures and more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatments. Involved lay stakeholders get to convey the human dimension of research and its outcomes, reinforce accountability and transparency of the research process, and help to convey why research is necessary.

• Clearer connection between research focus and patients.
• Respect for the patient's voice.
• Broader perspective for connecting science with patients.
• Enhances more patient-centered research.
• Minimizes scientists' intellectual biases regarding patient involvement.

Lay volunteers infuse into AHA science and research processes real-world understanding of what most impacts those affected by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and disorders. Integrating a diverse range of views (researchers, health professionals and service-user representatives) into our research program helps strengthen its impact on the mission.

• Increased awareness and respect for the importance of the research enterprise.
• Demystify the research process for other non-scientists.
• Gain confidence in the rigor of AHA’s selection of research projects.
• Satisfaction of contributing to a cure for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and/or disorders.
• Awareness that real-world lay stakeholder experience can influence the direction of science.