An evaluation of stakeholder engagement in comparative effectiveness research: lessons learned from SWOG S1415CD:Supplementary material

Aim: Stakeholder engagement is central to comparative effectiveness research yet there are gaps in

definitions of success. We used a framework developed by Lavallee et al. defining effective engagement

criteria to evaluate stakeholder engagement during a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial. Methods: Semistructured

interviews were developed from the framework and completed to learn about members’

experiences. Interviews were analyzed in a deductive approach for themes related to the effective

engagement criteria. Results: Thirteen members participated and described: respect for ideas, time to

achieve consensus, access to information and continuous feedback as areas of effective engagement.

The primary criticism was lack of diversity. Discussion: Feedback was positive, particularly among themes

of respect, trust and competence, and led to development of a list of best practices for engagement.

The framework was successful for evaluating engagement. Conclusion: Standardized frameworks allow

studies to formally evaluate their stakeholder engagement approach and develop best practices for future

research.