What aspects of the study should include stakeholder engagement?

Patient and stakeholder partners should be involved in all stages of the research. Researchers should collaborate with stakeholders on a variety of aspects within a study, including refining study questions and design, reviewing outcome measures and study protocols, strategizing on recruitment strategies and informed consent processes, and interpreting the data collected. The level or intensity in which patients are engaged may vary. Engagement often occurs along a continuum ranging from stakeholder input to consultation, collaboration, and shared leadership. In planning for engagement, applicants should consider how engagement of patient and stakeholder partners will best support the unique needs of the study.