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Context. There is growing evidence supporting patients' engagement (PE) in primary care research to improve the quality, relevance, and uptake of research. However, guidance is still needed to plan and operationalize this engagement during the research process. Objective. To develop a logic model illustrating empirically the causal links between context, resources, activities, and expected outcomes of PE in an implementation research program in primary care. Study design. Instrumental case study. Setting. A research program (PriCARE) aiming to implement and evaluate a case management intervention (CMI) in primary care clinics across five provinces in Canada. Population studied. Research team members. Methods. Data collection. Participant observation and in-depth interviews (n=22) conducted by two independent research assistants with research team members: principal investigators (n=5); co-investigators (n=2); research coordinators and assistants (n=8); and patient partners (n=7). Analysis. Deductive thematic analysis using components of the logic model as coding categories. All data were coded using NVivo 12 software. Data were reduced and organized in a first logic model version. Team meetings helped to refine the logic model. The final version was validated by all research team members. Results. The logic model provides an empirical illustration of the relationship between context, resources, activities, and expected outcomes for PE. Mobilized resources (human, financial, organizational, and communicational) allow research team members to be involved in many activities related to PE: recruitment, training, and support of patient partners; development of a governance structure; participation in research activities; agreement on decision-making processes; training and support of clinicians; development of tools for patients' involvement in the CMI. These activities lead to the following benefits for health research: improved communication amongst all team members, results and knowledge translation; development of a PE culture; capacity building; democratization of health research; and for healthcare: improved implementation of the intervention; improved patient engagement in their care; better health outcomes and resource utilization; support of decision-makers and clinicians; and better practices. Conclusions. The logic model may be useful for the planning, operationalization and evaluation of PPE in primary care research programs., Competing Interests: Authors report none., (2021 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.)

Context. Case management interventions (CMIs) are recognized to improve patients' experience of integrated care, to promote better utilization of healthcare resources, and to reduce emergency department visits, hospitalizations and health care costs. However, contextual factors influencing implementation of CMIs in primary care settings in Canada still need to be studied. Objective. To examine facilitators and barriers influencing implementation planning, engagement of key actors and the start-up phases of a CMI led by nurse case managers for frequent users of healthcare services with chronic diseases and complex care needs. Study design. Qualitative multiple case study design. Setting. Six primary care clinics across four provinces in Canada. Population studied. Frequent users of healthcare services with chronic diseases and complex care needs. Intervention. A CMI led by nurse case managers that included four main components: 1) patient needs assessment; 2) care planning, including an individual services plan (ISP); 3) coordination of services among health and social services partners; 4) self-management support for patients and families. Methods. Data collection: in-depth interviews with nurse case managers (n=10), clinic managers (n=5), and other healthcare professionals (n=5); six focus groups with family physicians (n=20), and other healthcare professionals (n=8); and field notes by research coordinators. Analysis: Mixed descriptive thematic analysis; intra-case histories; systematic comparison among cases by means of a descriptive and interpretative matrix; investigator and patient partners triangulation. Outcome Measures. Factors influencing the implementation of the CMI in primary care settings. Results. Difficulty of access to patient hospital information is a common barrier to all cases, as well as identification and recruitment of patients with the greatest needs of a CMI. Nurse case managers need extra time in the short term, especially when preparing and conducting the ISP. On the other hand, a culture of patient-centredness and collaboration; managerial and clinical leadership and support; and a positive perception of the CMI alongside provider engagement helps to overcome these barriers. Conclusions. This study may help researchers, decision-makers and clinicians plan the implementation of CMIs in primary care settings for frequent users of healthcare services with chronic diseases and complex care needs., Competing Interests: Authors report none., (© 2021 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.)

Context: Health researchers are increasingly engaging patients and their families as partners in the research process, from inception to knowledge translation. The trend toward 'patient-oriented' research is encouraged by a growing view that studies which integrate the patient perspective will make better use of resources to produce more relevant evidence that can be more easily translated to clinical settings. While there is an emerging literature on best practices, challenges, and learnings related to patient engagement (PE), few studies consider the experiences of patient partners (PP) and researchers in the same project. This presentation will present PP and researcher experiences of PE, highlighting important similarities and differences and proposing recommendations. Objectives: To characterize PE experience from the perspective of researchers and PP working together on the same research program, PriCARE; to identify successes and challenges; to ascertain contributions of PE in health research. Study Design: Qualitative. Setting or Dataset: This study was conducted within the larger 5-province PriCARE study examining a nurse-led case management intervention for primary care patients with complex needs. Population studied: 22 members of the study team (7 PP, 8 coordinators, 2 co-investigators, 5 principal investigators). Methods: Data collection: In-depth interviews using guides co-created by researchers and PP covering topics such as PE-related training and knowledge, and reflections on PE processes and impact. Research assistants external to the PriCARE study conducted interviews, transcribed researcher interviews, and generated a summary of PP interviews. Analysis: Data were analyzed thematically using a coding framework that was co-developed with PP. Outcome Measures: Researcher and patient experiences of PE, PP contributions to health research. Results: All team members need PE training at the beginning of and throughout the research process. Evolving trust and flexibility helped team members to navigate different experiences and priorities. PP make integral contributions to study and instrument design, data analysis, and knowledge translation. Clear expectations about the degree and nature of PE and team members' roles are critical. Conclusions: Meaningful PE requires patient-researcher partnership and clear expectation setting at the outset and throughout the research process, and ongoing flexibility to adapt., Competing Interests: Authors report none., (2021 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.)