Background: There is an increased recognition of the value of coproduction and working in partnership with stakeholders to produce trusted and equity-sensitive evidence syntheses. Stakeholders are individuals or groups who are impacted by health research including patients, caregivers, the public, policymakers, healthcare providers, and program managers.
Objectives: (1) To summarise the equity considerations included in existing frameworks and guidance for conducting evidence syntheses in partnership with stakeholders; (2) To map evidence on the impact of stakeholder engagement in conducting evidence syntheses across equity characteristics; and (3) To develop a logic model for equitable partnerships with stakeholders when conducting evidence syntheses.
Methods: This study was conducted as part of the ongoing work of the Multi-Stakeholder Engagement (MuSE) Consortium, an international group of over 120 members representing stakeholders, such as patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, research funders, and guideline developers from various organizations (e.g., WHO, GRADE, AHRQ, RAND, JBI). We conducted a scoping review and systematic evidence map. We searched six bibliographic databases (2010-2022) and grey literature for publications describing guidance or evaluations of stakeholder engagement during an evidence synthesis. We extracted data in duplicate and identified equity considerations using the PROGRESS+ equity framework. We engaged stakeholders in the development of our logic model and preliminary recommendations.
Results: This presentation will include preliminary recommendations for equitable partnerships with stakeholders when conducting evidence syntheses, including: (1) Identification and recruitment of diverse stakeholders, (2) Power-sharing and equitable decision-making during review conduct, (3) When and how to engage stakeholders to promote equity-sensitive syntheses, and (4) Potential impacts and outcomes of stakeholder engagement in evidence syntheses on health equity. Conclusion: The findings from this project will inform the upcoming MuSE Consortium guidance for stakeholder engagement in evidence syntheses and will be integrated into training delivered by the Cochrane Equity Thematic Group. The results will be particularly relevant and important for patients, as the guidance will be coproduced with their leadership and will promote their engagement in conducting reviews to ensure that evidence used for health decision-making includes equity considerations. Patient, public, and/or healthcare consumer involvement: The MuSE Consortium includes stakeholder coleads representing patients, the public and consumers.