Approaches to involve the public in interpretation of findings from systematic reviews on health interventions at the population level (APPRISE)

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Michael Hauptmann, Ph.D.; Dr. Charlotte Kugler; Dr. Felix Rebitschek
• Subject Area: Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575781596

Systematic reviews summarize the results of all studies on a specific question; they are "studies of studies" and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge. More and more often, patients or citizens are involved in research, including in systematic reviews. Some systematic reviews analyze health interventions that affect the population level, such as a sugar tax. Therefore, they should involve citizens to understand the key considerations that citizens deem important when discussing whether the results justify implementation. In this way, not only the researchers' perspective is considered, but also that of the public. However, for citizens to participate meaningfully, they must first understand the results of the systematic review. The project aims to determine which communication format is best suited to involve citizens in the interpretation of the results of population-level systematic reviews. The project is divided into four phases: preparation, survey, evaluation, and finalization. In the preparation phase, a team of researchers and citizens, who act as co-researchers, is constituted. Together, they select two health interventions at the population-level. Next, three formats are developed to summarize the results of systematic reviews on these topics: a layperson-friendly summary, a fact box, and a simulation format. In a survey, these formats are tested on a group of about 850 people via an online questionnaire, with the sample reflecting the German population in terms of gender, age, and education. Participants provide feedback on how well they understand the formats. In the evaluation phase, the best-rated format is applied in four group discussions with citizens to evaluate how participation works beyond the individual level. Two groups take place online, and two are in person. Participants discuss whether the interventions would be sensible to implement in Germany. Finally, the entire study is evaluated, and researchers and co-researchers assess the process. The project lasts a total of two years.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Dawid Pieper