Developing a Canadian evaluation framework for patient and public engagement in research: study protocol.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Patient and Public Engagement (PPE) in research is increasing globally, yet a standardized evaluation framework is lacking in Canada.
• This gap hinders the assessment of PPE integrity, learning across projects, and understanding engagement's impact on health system transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a national, adaptable framework for evaluating PPE in research.
• Key objectives include establishing consensus on evaluation criteria and indicators, and defining adaptation recommendations for diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative action-research approach involving a national coalition of patient-oriented research leaders.
• Consensus meetings (nominal group technique) and Delphi rounds with patient partners, engagement practitioners, and researchers.
• Expert working groups will develop adaptation strategies for specific populations, guided by equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.

Main Results:

• The project will yield a co-designed, national evaluation framework for PPE.
• Consensus on core evaluation domains, process, and impact indicators will be achieved.
• Recommendations for adapting the framework to diverse populations, including Indigenous communities and those with disabilities, will be defined.

Conclusions:

• The framework will foster a national learning environment for research engagement evaluation.
• It offers virtual methodologies for building international consensus on engagement evaluation.
• The initiative strengthens evaluation capacity for PPE through patient-researcher collaboration.