The dissertation defense is open and will be held virtually.
Participants are requested to RSVP to receive the link to the presentation.
The PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program is proud to announce the Dissertation Defense of:
PhD Candidate: Lorna M. Richards, MS, MFT
A Collective Case Study of How Researchers Describe Their Experiences, Challenges, and Perceived Impact of Patient Engagement
Dissertation Committee Chair: Andrew C. Meltzer, MD, MS
June 25,2025 from 1-3 EST
Patient Engagement (PE) in clinical research has gained increased recognition as a crucial component of high-quality, patient-centered studies. This dissertation explores how clinical researchers from academic and industry settings define, implement, and reflect on their experiences with PE. Despite rising mandates from regulatory bodies and funding agencies, the integration of meaningful patient involvement remains inconsistent and, at times, superficial.
This research employs a qualitative collective case study method, incorporating semi-structured interviews with thirteen researchers across diverse geographic areas and career stages. The thematic analysis revealed that while most participants recognize the importance of patient engagement (PE) as the intentional and active involvement of patients in shaping study design, recruitment methods, and dissemination efforts, many face systemic barriers. These challenges include insufficient funding, a lack of formal training, inadequate support from institutions, and unclear regulatory guidelines.
The findings from this dissertation highlight the persistent gap between the theoretical importance of PE and its practical application. Participants emphasized the need for more robust infrastructure, clear regulatory guidelines, and stronger organizational commitment to elevate PE from a recommended practice to a standard one. This work contributes to the literature by providing insights into how researchers perceive and operationalize PE while identifying key areas for policy and practice improvements. This dissertation concludes by recommending training opportunities for researchers and developing a PE impact tool, along with precise metrics to measure the influence of PE activities within various research environments.