What is the Methods program general policy with regard to engagement in proposals?

PCORI encourages investigators to engage patients, caregivers, and relevant stakeholders in the methodological process. However, PCORI also recognizes that patient engagement may not be appropriate in all cases, especially in highly technical methods projects. If patient and caregiver engagement is deemed inappropriate in the planning, conduct, and/or dissemination of research given the technical nature of the proposed project, applicants must clearly justify why. Highly technical proposals should consider whether engagement of other stakeholders and/or end-users (e.g., data architects, clinicians, domain experts, health services researchers with different expertise than that of members of the research team, policy makers, etc.) in both the methodological process and the dissemination and implementation plans would be of value.