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Patient and Public Engagement in Health Research and Qualitative Research: What’s the difference and why it matters

Date(s)
May 18, 2027 (noon – 1 p.m.)
Location
Online/Virtual

Event Description

A webinar clarifying patient engagement vs. qualitative research—purpose, methods, and how to combine them ethically in your project.

Event Host(s)

  • CHI's Public & Patient Engagement Team

Register

Overview

This session will clarify the often-blurred line between patient and public engagement (PPE) and qualitative research. Using practical examples, we’ll explore how each approach contributes uniquely to health research, why distinguishing them is essential for ethical and methodological rigor, and how they can work together. Participants will leave with strategies to plan more intentional and impactful engagement.

Learning Objectives

  • • Differentiate between patient and public engagement and qualitative research in purpose, methods, and roles.
  • • Explain why conflating engagement and research can lead to ethical, methodological, and relational challenges.
  • • Identify appropriate opportunities to integrate engagement alongside qualitative methods in research design.
  • • Reflect on their own projects to determine when engagement, research, or both are most appropriate.