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Community Engagement Studios

Community Engagement Studios are a structured forum to gain valuable patient or community insight that transforms the way community and academic researchers work together. This consultative model is a quick way for researchers to get community or patient input on the development, implementation or dissemination of a project. They are and evidence-based consultative model utilized to gain valuable patient or community insight to inform ongoing research. CE Studios are a one time in-person or virtual discussion with investigators, community experts, and a trained facilitator. Read the CE Studio Overview for Investigators for more information. 

Community Engagement Studio Team

  •  Faculty Team Member to support scope of CE Studio, discussion guide development, coach researchers to communicate effectively with non-researchers, and finalization of report
  •  CE Studio Staff to coordinate planning and logistics, recruit experts, train facilitators, manage day-off event, develop report, conduct an evaluation
  • Community Facilitator to guide discussion using skills in group engagement and a neutral stance. Must have experience working with diverse populations and the ability to balance the power difference that naturally occurs when researchers and lay community members come together.

 

 Community Engagement Studio Process

1: Consult
  • Research team requests a consult
  • Consult process is followed
  • Consult determines that a CE Studio is appropriate
  • Research team requests a voucher for a CE Studio
2: Request
  • Details on project
  • Study info
  • Status of project
  • Writing grant
  • Study started
  • Timeline
3: Planning
  • Meet with research team
  • Define researcher goals and expectations
  • Identify community experts
  • Look at calendar
  • Engage facilitator
4: Preparation
  • Collaborate with the research team to develop the discussion guide; provide an example
  • Provide the researcher PowerPoint template
  • Review the PowerPoint presentation prior to the Studio session
  • Introduce the research team to the facilitator
  • Prepare a one-page research overview to be adapted into a recruitment flyer
  • Record a one-minute video introducing yourself and your research, to be shared with community experts during orientation
5: Meeting
  • Introductions
  • Ground Rules
  • Researcher presentation
  • Facilitator-led discussion
  • Start with expert intro
  • End 10 min early
  • Expert feedback (forms)
  • Expert payment (if in person)
6: Post CE
Studio
  • Follow up with experts re: forms
  • Expert payment (if virtual)
  • Provide final report
  • Survey researcher, initial and 1-year follow-up
  • Facilitator survey

Voucher requests to host a CE Studio can be submitted through SPARCRequest. If you have questions or are interested in hosting a CE Studio, please email: cestudio@case.edu 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For Community Experts

  1.  How many questions will I be asked?
    Each meeting focuses on five main questions. The group facilitator may guide the conversation to allow time for every question.
  2. Do I need to speak up?
    Yes. We want to hear from everyone. We will make sure everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts.
  3. Can one person speak or dominate the whole time?
    No. We want everyone to have a chance to share their thoughts. The group facilitator will help make sure no single person takes up all the talking time.
  4. Can we talk about any topic?
    No. Time is limited. If a topic takes too long, the facilitator may save it for later so we stay on track.
  5. What if we get off topic?
    The facilitator may jump in to bring the conversation back on track. We apologize if this feels a bit sudden.
  6. Will I get medical advice during a CE Studio?
    No. We may talk about health topics, but no one will give you personal medical advice. Please talk to your health care provider for personal medical questions.
  7. Do I have to keep my camera on for online meetings?
    Yes. Please keep your camera on the whole time so everyone can see each other. If you
    cannot turn your camera on, you will not be able to join.
  8. Can I take pictures or videos during a CE Studio?
    No. You cannot take photos or recordings. This protects everyone's privacy.

 

Version: 10/13/2026
For Researchers 

  1. Are deadlines important for me to meet?
    Yes. Things move fast. If you do not send your materials on time, your CE Studio may be
    delayed or rescheduled.
  2. Do both researchers need to attend all prep meetings for a CE Studio?
    Yes. Both researchers must attend and participate to get the best results.
  3. What can I expect from experts taking part in a CE Studio?
    The experts in a CE Studio will share honest feedback based on their own real-life experiences with the topic you are researching. They will help you see a health issue or research topic from a new point of view: one you may not have considered before. This can help you think about new and better ways to carry out your research, so it has a bigger, more meaningful impact.
  4. Can I interrupt experts to share information during the CE Studio?
    No. Once you finish your presentation, your job is to sit back, listen, and learn from the experts.
  5. Can I connect with experts after the CE Studio is over?
    Yes. During the CE Studio, you may let experts know that you would like to stay in touch. However, neither the experts nor the researchers are required to keep in contact after the session ends. If you would like to continue the conversation, it will be up to you to reach out. This type of ongoing contact is not covered by the CE Studio consent form.