American Medical Extended Reality Association Expert Consensus: Best Practices for Patient and Public Involvement in...

Area of Science:

• Medical Extended Reality (MedXR)
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)
• Health Research Methodology

Background:

• Patient and public involvement (PPI) is essential for developing relevant and impactful medical extended reality (MedXR) interventions.
• Existing research frameworks often lack specific guidance for integrating patient voices in MedXR development.
• Ensuring patient-centeredness in MedXR requires robust strategies for collaboration and feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical framework for integrating patient and public involvement (PPI) throughout the medical extended reality (MedXR) research lifecycle.
• To offer strategies for meaningful engagement of patient partners, emphasizing inclusivity, reciprocity, and transparency.
• To address unique challenges in patient engagement within MedXR research and propose solutions.

Main Methods:

• Expert consensus development by the American Medical Extended Reality Association.
• Drawing on principles from leading health research organizations (PCORI, CDMRP, NIH).
• Incorporation of case studies illustrating successful PPI in MedXR research.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive framework for integrating patient voices from study design to post-study feedback.
• Best practices for recruiting, compensating, and ensuring diversity among patient partners.
• Strategies for MedXR-specific challenges, including iterative feedback and safety monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Meaningful PPI enhances the accessibility, relevance, and equity of MedXR interventions.
• The framework supports researchers, developers, and clinicians in creating scientifically rigorous and patient-aligned MedXR solutions.
• Adherence to the framework promotes MedXR research that prioritizes patient and public needs.