By "engagement in research," we refer to the meaningful involvement of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other healthcare stakeholders throughout the research process—from topic selection through design and conduct of research to dissemination of results. We are constantly working to understand engagement in PCORI-funded projects, to document the ways that engaging with research projects improves the research, the challenges that result from research engagement and the ways research teams have overcome challenges, and to identify and share best practices for engagement in research.

Beginning with the first projects PCORI funded, the pilot projects, we began to ask researchers about what type of stakeholders they were working with, and what influence those non-researchers had on the research. We now ask all awardees to share detailed information about their experiences with engaging patients and other stakeholders. We also ask the research partners, to hear from all perspectives what difference engagement makes.

PCORI has developed several tools to support research engagement, e.g., PCORI Engagement Rubric, and frequently holds webinars, conference panels, and training sessions designed to share best practices. PCORI has also made a searchable bibliography of research engagement literature available to the public.