Table 2.

Comparison of Major Funder Definitions of Engaged Research

	CIHR	PCORI	NIHR	NHMRC
Who
Who does research engagement involve?
Patients as partners required for definition?	Yes	No	Yes	No
Patients as partners part of definition?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other stakeholders referenced?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Why
Is rationale for definition expressed in terms of social action/equity?	Yes	No	Yes	No
What are goals of research engagement?
Improving research uptake	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Improving decision making in health	Yes	No	No	No
How
In what ways is research engagement implemented?
Address patient priorities	Yes	Yes	No*	No
Conduct research in teams	Yes	Yes	No	No
What
Does the definition include an intensity grading? (from limited to active engagement)	Yes	No	No	No

These comparisons are based on definitions and do not necessarily reflect the full scope of funder goals

*Not identified as part of implementation for specific research projects although role of PPI in research prioritization is part of definition