Summary
"This is a comprehensive review of the literature, as opposed to a full systematicreview. Existing reviews of outcome evaluations were used to assess theconsistency of evidence for the theoretical benefits of community engagement.The review was a thematic, fluid process, concentrating on process andimplementation issues for community engagement.The review used principles from the emerging ‘realist’ methodology. Nohierarchy of methodologies was assumed for sources, which were included ifthey were considered to be methodologically fit for purpose and if theconclusions drawn were justified by the scope and methods used. Evidence wascategorised as ‘empirical’, ‘practitioner self-assessment’, and ‘theoretical’. Ifthree or more sources supported a specific theme, this was presented as‘consistent’ evidence. Caveats were included when reporting solely unevaluatedevidence, or where the methodology of a study was considered less robust." -- Page 2.