Yaritzy Rivas Hernandez
Research Mentor: Megan Haymart
Mentor Department: Internal Medicine, MEND, Medicine
Author(s): Yaritzy Rivas Hernandez, Megan Haymart , Larkin Knoll , Daniel Whibley
Session: Session 5 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 98
Abstract
Patient engagement in health research is increasingly encouraged by major funders such as Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, empirical evidence describing researchers’ prior experiences, perceived barriers, or support needs related to partnering with patients or people with lived experience (PWLE) remains limited. Understanding researchers’ perspectives is critical for developing effective training programs, institutional infrastructure, and engagement models that support meaningful patient–researcher collaboration across the research lifecycle. This study examines U.S. researchers prior experiences with PWLE partnerships, perceived barriers and facilitators to engagement, and interest in future collaborations. This project also complements prior survey research focused on patients, allowing for a more comprehensive, bidirectional understanding of research partnerships from stakeholder perspectives. We are conducting a minimal-risk, cross-sectional online survey administered through REDCap. Approximately 3,000 NIH-funded researchers will be invited to participate, with an anticipated sample of about 900 respondents. Eligible participants include U.S.-based principal investigators or equivalent research leaders who have held NIH funding within the past year. Survey domains include previous experiences partnering with PWLE, interest in future engagement, perceived barriers and facilitators, preferred partnership structures, and relevant demographic and professional characteristics. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparative analyses, and multivariable regression modeling to identify factors associated with researchers’ willingness to engage PWLE in future research. While participants may not experience direct personal benefits, findings are expected to inform institutional practices and national strategies aimed at strengthening patient engagement within clinical and translational research. Ultimately, this study seeks to advance understanding of how researchers can more effectively collaborate with patients to improve the quality, relevance, and impact of health research.
