Can a person play more than one role on a team—for example, as both a stakeholder and a researcher?

Yes. PCORI recognizes that people often identify with more than one role based on a combination of personal and professional experiences. For example, a researcher might also be a practicing medical professional, so they may serve as a clinical advisor on the study in addition to their investigative role. Similarly, someone with lived experience of the condition under study might also work in health care or research and can bring these different perspectives. Documentation of roles and responsibilities for stakeholder and patient partners can help designate what perspective they are adding to the study team; if the partner has dual roles, their primary role should be noted. Keep in mind that perspectives are products of one’s experience and environment, so it is important to include patient partners who work outside of the healthcare and research system.