We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature to describe the nature and extent of reporting on the involvement of stakeholders in early-stage translational research.

We conducted two literature searches in six databases, screened records and full-text articles, and abstracted and analyzed data from included publications. The literature searches yielded unduplicated 2,894 records. After screening, 13 articles were included.

Our review of the literature yielded rare reports of engagement in early-stage translational research. Half of included articles reported on engagement with patients, clinicians, and researchers while fewer that one in three reported on engagement with policymakers, industry, and insurers. One in four reported engagement in the publication’s acknowledgments but not in the main text. More than half drew unmeasured conclusions about the outcomes of engagement.

Our definition of early-stage translation pointed to a specific set of peer-reviewed research; our findings indicate a reporting gap and not necessarily a gap in practice. By addressing four themes–developing a shared language, identifying frameworks and principles, creating a repository of resources, and establishing a research agenda, research leaders can develop new insights about how to engage communities in early-stage translational research.