Beyond Grant Funding: Scientists’ and Patients’ Perceptions of the Costs and Benefits of Patient-Centered Research

• In Event: ICA Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Poster Session: Health Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Representing the voices of patients in health research has become increasingly pervasive due to its potential to improve health outcomes. Despite governmental and monetary support for patient involvement, little is known about how participating researchers and patients perceive the costs and benefits of collaborating with one another. Thus, the purpose of this study was to uncover patients’ and researchers’ costs and benefits to participating in patient-centered health using the social exchange theory as a theoretical framework. We conducted in-depth interviews (N = 24) with patients and researchers who had both participated in patient-engaged research. The results of this study extend the current literature about patient stakeholder engagement by providing theoretically-grounded data about scientists’ and patients’ perceived costs and benefits of working together in health research. These findings can be addressed by program coordinators to reduce both groups perceived costs and enhance the benefits of their participation.

Authors

• Janice Krieger

• Rachel Damiani, U of Florida