Assessing cancer center researcher and provider perspectives on patient engagement

Participatory research approaches can help ensure research is culturally relevant and aligned with stakeholder priorities, but barriers exist between researchers and community stakeholders, particularly in communities of color. We developed a measurement tool for assessing oncology researcher and provider readiness to undertake patient-engaged research, and piloted this measurement tool among oncology researchers and providers at the hospital's cancer care center. A survey was developed by drawing from existing PCORI assessments as well as creating original questions, in an effort to develop an evidence-based survey tailored to this project. A total of 23 researchers and providers responded to the survey. The majority of respondents indicated that they were moderately or very familiar with the concept of patient-centered outcomes research. Most respondents had little to no experience engaging in participatory research and endorsed several barriers to engaging patients in the research process, including lack of experience and time. A mechanism for preparing and supporting researchers and providers is needed if cancer centers are to implement patient-powered research agendas as recommended by PCORI.