Perspectives of consumer involvement in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research: a cross-sectional survey of consumers and community members.
12 affiliations
- 1RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
- 2Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research (CIPHeR), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
- 3School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
- 4UQ Clinical Trials Capability, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
- 5Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Education and Research Alliance, Metro North Health and The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
- 6Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratories, Kolling Institute, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
- 7Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- 8Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
- 9Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Basic Science Special Interest Group, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- 10Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Consumer Advisory Group, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- 11Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Executive, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- 12Ankylosing Spondylitis Victoria Inc. Consumer Organisation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
Objectives
To examine how consumers are involved in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research and explore their perspectives on involvement.Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to explore consumer involvement in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research and perspectives on involvement. Eligible participants were individuals with lived experience of musculoskeletal conditions or their carers, recruited via consumer networks in Australia and New Zealand. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis were used to analyse responses.Results
A total of 166 participants (n = 150 consumers, n = 16 carers) with lived experience of a musculoskeletal condition completed the survey. Forty percent of participants had prior involvement in pre-clinical research, primarily as study participants. Most consumers (77%) believed their involvement should be a requirement and identified clear expectations (96%), training (67%), reimbursement (61%) and buddying with researchers (60%) as essential supports. Almost one-third (32%) reported that the support required would vary depending on their role. Consumers rated their input as very important for identifying research priorities (64%) and ensuring research is clinically relevant (59%). Almost 40% did not agree that they lacked necessary training to contribute to pre-clinical research and showed little interest in applying for research funding (50%), recruiting participants (38%) or writing/reviewing publications (36%). Those with prior research experience reported greater confidence in their skills and their input's relevance.Conclusion
Consumers are willing and perceive that they can contribute meaningfully to pre-clinical research when appropriately supported. Aligning involvement opportunities with consumer interests and providing tailored support ensures impactful partnerships.
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BibTeX
@article{ross2026perspectives,
title = {{Perspectives of consumer involvement in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research: a cross-sectional survey of consumers and community members.}},
author = {Megan H Ross and Camille Maeva Thomas and Bec Jenkinson and Emmah Doig and Christopher B Little and Annette Annie McPherson and Christine Beanland and Paul Hodges and Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Basic Science Special Interest Group and Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Basic Science Special Interest Group},
journal = {Rheumatology advances in practice},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1093/rap/rkag115},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42857304},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Perspectives of consumer involvement in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research: a cross-sectional survey of consumers and community members.
AU - Megan H Ross
AU - Camille Maeva Thomas
AU - Bec Jenkinson
AU - Emmah Doig
AU - Christopher B Little
AU - Annette Annie McPherson
AU - Christine Beanland
AU - Paul Hodges
AU - Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Basic Science Special Interest Group
AU - Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) Basic Science Special Interest Group
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/25
JO - Rheumatology advances in practice
DO - 10.1093/rap/rkag115
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42857304
AB - Objectives To examine how consumers are involved in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research and explore their perspectives on involvement.Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to explore consumer involvement in pre-clinical musculoskeletal research and perspectives on involvement. Eligible participants were individuals with lived experience of musculoskeletal conditions or their carers, recruited via consumer networks in Australia and New Zealand. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis were used to analyse responses.Results A total of 166 participants (n = 150 consumers, n = 16 carers) with lived experience of a musculoskeletal condition completed the survey. Forty percent of participants had prior involvement in pre-clinical research, primarily as study participants. Most consumers (77%) believed their involvement should be a requirement and identified clear expectations (96%), training (67%), reimbursement (61%) and buddying with researchers (60%) as essential supports. Almost one-third (32%) reported that the support required would vary depending on their role. Consumers rated their input as very important for identifying research priorities (64%) and ensuring research is clinically relevant (59%). Almost 40% did not agree that they lacked necessary training to contribute to pre-clinical research and showed little interest in applying for research funding (50%), recruiting participants (38%) or writing/reviewing publications (36%). Those with prior research experience reported greater confidence in their skills and their input's relevance.Conclusion Consumers are willing and perceive that they can contribute meaningfully to pre-clinical research when appropriately supported. Aligning involvement opportunities with consumer interests and providing tailored support ensures impactful partnerships.
SN - 2514-1775
ER -