A Critical Discussion of Patient Engagement in Research

Authors

Andrea Elaine Bombak, Central Michigan UniversityFollow
Heather M. Hanson, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Health Services, CanadaFollow

Publication Date

1-31-2017

Keywords

patient engagement, public involvement, patient activations, patient-centered outcomes research

Abstract

Patients are increasingly expected to take a more involved role in research. Funding for some projects now requires incorporating patients’ viewpoints or involvement in research processes. While intended to achieve commendable goals, it is important to critically assess the means used to achieve these aims. Presently, there may be issues of valuing only certain epistemologies, failing to evaluate existing programs and their impacts, marginalizing less “engaged” patients, and promoting only tokenism. These are areas that require exploration and reflection before assuming that patient engagement approaches are sufficient or the only means of incorporating patient perspectives into research.

Recommended Citation

Bombak AE, Hanson HM. A critical discussion of patient engagement in research. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2017;4:39-41. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1273