title: A practice-based tool for engaging stakeholders in future research: a synthesis of current practices.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A major goal of patient-centered outcomes and comparative effectiveness research is to increase the involvement of stakeholders throughout the research process to provide relevant and immediately actionable information. In this report, we review the current practices for engaging stakeholders in prioritizing research.
  
  
  METHODS
  To evaluate the range of approaches to stakeholder engagement, we reviewed the relevant literature and conducted semistructured interviews with (1) leading research organizations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom; and (2) eight Evidence-based Practice Centers that engage stakeholders in comparative effectiveness research.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 56 articles related to stakeholder engagement in research prioritization. Studies and research organizations interviewed frequently used mixed methods approaches combining in-person venues with structured ranking or voting processes such as Delphi. EPCs similarly used group web/conference calls combined with Delphi ranking or voting. Research organizations reported difficulties engaging the public and policy makers, and EPCs reported challenges engaging federal stakeholders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Explicit and consistent use of terminology about stakeholders was absent. In-person techniques were useful to generate ideas and clarify issues, and quantitative methods were important in the prioritization of research. Recommendations for effective stakeholder engagement and a reporting checklist were developed from the accumulation of findings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. guisej@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: Jeanne-Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Guise
authors.forename: Christen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Haire
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McPheeters
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Most
authors.forename: Lia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Labrant
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Erika K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Barth Cottrell
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods*; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000379:methods*; D003697:Delphi Technique; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States