Public Engagement with Science: an inclusive approach to innovate in health research with Real-World Data

Background Public engagement with science (PES) initiatives in health research that use big data to analyze social inequalities requires strategies and methods adapted to the contexts of countries in the Global South. In Brazil, where there is a history of social participation in research and public policymaking, a research center that uses administrative, real-world data to produce relevant scientific evidence for collective and individual decision-making incorporates inclusion and diversity as key elements to connect knowledge production with the real world. Methods The experiences of two research projects are described based on a contextualization of the initiatives and subsequent description of the methodological procedures adopted for both interventions, including the definition of target audiences, activities, and ethical aspects, among others. Both projects are centered around the study of Primary Health Care and Data Interoperability and engage participants from public management, health workers, researchers, and civil society representatives. Results The participants' collaboration impacted on the researchers' decisions, which began to have a closer understanding of the challenges faced by the participants in their daily work in relation to each of the research themes. This resulted in the establishment of partnerships for new initiatives. The participants highlighted that, in addition to the opportunity to contribute to the development of scientific research, they acquired new knowledge from their contact with the research teams. Conclusions The diversity of social groups and the inclusion of different perspectives in research projects mobilized by PES have the potential to promote innovations in research processes and results, as well as have social impact. The potential for applicability of scientific information is expanded since it is more connected to the real world, and the participants themselves drive the dissemination process.