Engagement Methods in Brain Tumor Genomic Research: Multimethod Comparative Study

Background Engaging patients, care partners, and others in research planning and conduct is increasingly valued. However, identifying the most effective ways to do so remains a challenge. Objective This study aimed to evaluate participation and participant experience using 3 engagement methods with the Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) Registry’s Optimizing Engagement in Discovery of Molecular Evolution of Low-Grade Glioma (OPTIMUM) project, part of the National Cancer Institute’s Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing Network. Methods We evaluated LGG Registry research advisory council (RAC) meetings, Twitter (now known as X), and Facebook discussions across 4 engagement activities with each group. Researchers recorded discussions and performed qualitative content analysis to evaluate differences in the nature of interactions and recommendations for promoting trust and participation in LGG Registry research. Participants completed experience surveys after engagements 1 and 4 (Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool, Research Engagement Survey Tool, Trust in Medical Researchers Scale, and Patient Engagement in Research Scale). Results RAC engagements involved 25 unique participants representing diverse backgrounds; tweet chats and Facebook discussions had 197 and 133 participants, respectively. Qualitative findings highlighted differences in the nature of interactions (eg, communication styles and types of information shared) across groups, but there was general agreement around recommendations for promoting participation in genomic research. Postengagement surveys (n=52 in ipostengagement activity 1; n=40 in postengagement activity 4) showed patterns suggesting a more positive experience overall for the RAC. Conclusions Advisory councils and social media engagement methods have advantages and disadvantages. Advisory councils provide consistent interactions with the same individuals and clear procedures. Despite theoretically broader reach, social media engagement may yield less diverse perspectives. The LGG Registry aims to use RAC and social media engagement methods to promote diverse perspectives and maintain consistent interactions.