348 Implementation and evolution of a citizen council to support patient-oriented pharmacy practice research in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND: The Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network (OPEN) introduced the OPEN Citizens' Council (OCC) in 2019 as a forum for citizen engagement. The OCC provides OPEN researchers with a mechanism for collecting citizens' perspectives on research priorities, strategies, data interpretation, and methods. OBJECTIVE: This paper examines the development and learning from OCC meeting data to provide insight into how a citizen advisory forum can enhance health practice research. METHODS: OCC evaluation used mixed methods. The Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) and participant feedback interviews were offered to both OCC members and researcher presenters following OCC meetings. Descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data (PPEET survey) was conducted. Inductive thematic analysis was used to conceptualize themes from qualitative semi-structured interviews from both OCC members and researcher presenters. RESULTS: Ongoing collection and analysis of survey data guided changes to OCC delivery. These included adjusting training, modifying meeting duration and scheduling, expanding preparation and discussion by posting materials online prior to meetings. Qualitative analysis of interview data led to development of four major themes: 1) rationale for participation in OCC, 2) OCC meeting experience, 3) lessons learned about citizen engagement, and 4) research impact and ramifications of citizen engagement (CE). CONCLUSION: Regular evaluation enabled council development that provided pharmacy researchers with a way to explore societal views on strategic and implementation research stages. By tapping into broad, civic knowledge, citizen engagement panels can complement other research engagement activities that include patients who have specific, lived experiences. Greater recognition of engagement types, activities, and associated value, along with resources to support collaborative initiatives, will lead to a more responsive research landscape.