Table 1 The ten steps of the Ottawa Citizen Engagement and Action Model (OCEAM)

1. Formulating a relevant study question

A Study question relevant to the community; and Recruitment and retention of engaged peers

Successful selection of a relevant study question and recruitment of 4-6 engaged peers, throughout the project

3–6 months (more if no pre-existing community ties)

2. Designing study method

A study design

Agreed upon study method by peers and researchers that is sufficiently rigorous; Successful implementation of study method with peers

3 months

3. Designing study questionnaires and Case Report Forms (CRFs)

Study questionnaires and CRFs

Successful design and selection of questionnaires and CRF that peers are satisfied with

3 months

4. Participating in recruitment

Recruitment of sample

Successful and efficient (within the decided accrual time) recruitment of at least 80 % of envisioned sample size

3 months of the accrual time decided for the project

5. Participating in consenting

Participants written Consent

Consenting of at least 80 % potential participants

3 months of the accrual time decided for the project

6. Participating in administering study questionnaires

Completed questionnaires

Less than 30 % missing data per entire questionnaire and CRFs

3 months of the accrual time decided for the project

7. Participating in study related testing e.g.;handheld spirometry and oscillometry

Testing completed

Successful implementation of acceptable quality study tests with less than 30 % missing data

3 months of the accrual time decided for the project

8. Participating in follow-ups

Participant retention at study completion

i) Peer participation in retention with follow-up rates of at least 60 %

ii) Peer (at least 1–2) and participant (at least 6–10) attendance at retention related activities such as Life-Skills Workshop of PROMPT study

3 months of the follow-up time decided for the project

9. Participating in data entry, data analysis and interpretation

Peer participation in data entry, data analysis and interpretation

At least 50 % peers participating in data entry, and 25 % peers participating in data analysis and interpretation of study results

3–6 months after completion of follow-ups

10. Participating in ongoing community knowledge translation

Continuous knowledge translation through:

i) Peer training (six sessions),

ii) Regular project meetings with peers (at least weekly),

iii) Peer-led community knowledge forums (quarterly)

i) At least 80 % peers attending all 6 training sessions

ii) At least 50 % of peers attending weekly meetings

iii) At least 50 % of peers participating in quarterly community knowledge forums

Ongoing throughout the life of the project