Facilitators and Barriers to Participating in an Integrated Knowledge Translation Panel for a Consensus-Building Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Patient engagement is a critical component of high-quality research. When implemented intentionally, partnerships with patient partners and other knowledge users ensure that research findings are relevant and meaningful to intended users. Integrated knowledge translation (iKT) is a collaborative approach that supports a bidirectional partnership between researchers and knowledge users throughout the research process. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the experiences and identify the facilitators and barriers to participating in an iKT panel for a consensus-building study. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with members of the iKT panel, including youth, caregivers, healthcare providers, and health system leaders. The Patient Engagement in Research Scale (PEIRS-22) was used to assess the degree of meaningful engagement. Data were analysed using a descriptive thematic approach. RESULTS: Eleven panel members (3 youth, 2 caregivers, 2 healthcare providers, and 4 health system leaders) participated. Among the 10 participants who completed PEIRS-22, the mean total score was 88.3 (SD = 10.5), with most reporting very or extremely meaningful (70%) level of engagement. Five overarching themes capturing the facilitators and barriers influencing panel members' engagement were identified. Facilitators included clear and consistent communication, strong trust in and support from the research team, an inclusive and empowering environment, accessible and flexible participation options, and meaningful involvement that promoted a sense of value and connection. Key barriers included communication burden, power dynamics among panel members, competing commitments, technology challenges, and mismatched expectations. CONCLUSION: Engagement through an iKT approach is a complex, relational process that requires strong communication, intentional structures, and a supportive environment. Findings highlight the importance of fostering interpersonal relationships among diverse knowledge users to enhance collaboration and strengthen engagement. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of an iKT panel for a larger consensus-building research study were participants in this evaluation. Findings will be shared with panel members to inform and refine engagement strategies for future research activities.