Public participation in health research is a scientific and ethical necessity for the health system
Public participation in health research is a scientific and ethical necessity for the health system
A faculty member of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences and a permanent member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Iran, emphasized the necessity of involving patients, caregivers, policymakers, and the general public in research processes at the Knowledge Translation symposium, stating: Making health research people-centered paves the way for a more effective link between the university and society and increases public trust in the health system.
According to a reporter from the university's website, Dr. Hamid Reza Khankeh, a faculty member of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences and a permanent member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Iran, analyzed the challenges facing health research in Iran at the Knowledge Translation symposium and outlined the strategic requirements for linking science and society.
Stating that health research has the most impact when conducted with the input of key stakeholders, he remarked: The participation of patients, caregivers, policymakers, and the general public in research processes is not just an option, but a scientific and ethical necessity. Unfortunately, currently, systematic participation of patients and the public in health research in Iran is in its early stages and lacks a clear framework.
Dr. Khankeh continued by pointing to global experiences and the requirements of international institutions such as the World Health Organization and UNESCO, adding: By involving members of the public in research decision-making, studies shift from being purely academic and become closer to the real needs of society. This approach will improve the quality, credibility, transparency, and applicability of research results.
The director of the Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, by presenting a policy brief at this meeting, offered seven strategic recommendations for strengthening Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and said: Our goal is to transform society from a passive consumer of knowledge into an active partner in its production. Implementing these recommendations requires will at the highest management levels so that the necessary guidelines and legal requirements can be developed to institutionalize this culture in the country's health system.
In conclusion, Dr. Khankeh emphasized that making research people-centered creates a bridge between the university and society, noting: This transformation is not only for the benefit of patients but also for researchers and the entire scientific community; because with this approach, public trust in the health system is strengthened, and social capital increases. We hope that with prudent decisions, we will move in a direction where every Iranian citizen considers themselves a stakeholder in the country's scientific achievements, as this is the best guarantee for the effectiveness and sustainability of research results in the field of health.
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