Journal of general internal medicine
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Engaging patients and other stakeholders as partners in research offers promise in improving the relevance and usefulness of research findings. ⋯ Findings provide insights for funders and institutions supporting engagement, measurement efforts, and clinical researchers aiming to conduct engaged research and observe similar influences and impacts in their own studies.
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Stakeholder engagement helps ensure that research is relevant, clinical innovations are responsive, and healthcare services are patient-centered. ⋯ The OVET is similar to other established stakeholder engagement groups; team members offer their individual viewpoints at any stage of research, clinical demonstration, or quality improvement projects. The OVET provides a mechanism for the voice of older Veterans and caregivers to shape aspects of individual projects. Importantly, these projects support patient-centered care and promote the characteristics of an age-friendly healthcare system.
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Little progress has been made in improving racial, gender, or intersectional diversity within academic internal medicine (IM). Chief Residency fulfills a unique opportunity to target diversity efforts; Chief Residents (CR) are integral in creating an inclusive environment and support system for IM trainees, and the position serves as a steppingstone for future leadership positions within academia. ⋯ We describe a more standardized selection process that will improve recruitment and selection of more diverse CRs and ultimately improve the recruitment, retention, and promotion of more diverse faculty within academic internal medicine. Key recommendations include an open call for applications, the use of standardized and structured interviews, and the formation of a diverse selection committee to conduct a transparent selection process based on explicitly defined criteria.
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Meaningful engagement of patients in health research has the potential to increase research impact and foster patient trust in healthcare. For the past decade, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has invested in increasing Veteran engagement in research. ⋯ Participants expressed support for increasing women Veterans' engagement in women's health research and identified feasible ways to foster and implement engagement of women Veterans. Given the unique healthcare needs of women Veterans, engaging them in research could translate to improved care, especially for future generations. Knowledge about how to improve women Veterans' research engagement can inform future VA policy and practice for more meaningful interventions and infrastructure.