Patient Research Partners

Patient Research Partner Opportunities with SkIN Canada

SkIN Canada is excited to welcome patient research partners to shape how research on skin diseases will be fostered across Canada. This is different from being a research subject. A research subject participates in research by agreeing to be part of an experiment whereas a Patient Research Partner works with researchers to help them understand patient perspectives as they:

  • Build research networks
  • Create and design biobanks
  • Organize clinical trials for skin diseases
  • Train students and early career researchers to work with patients and on issues that are important to patients, and
  • Help share the results of research with patients and the public.

Role of Patient Research Partners in SkIN Canada

Patient research partners will be asked to:

  • Provide insights on patient & public perspectives and prioritizing research questions
  • Provide advice on planning, implementing, and evaluating the Network activities, including the Patient Engagement Workshop and grant competitions
  • Participate and contribute in face-to-face and telephone meetings to provide specific insights based on their experiences (or that of people they represent) in relation to a specific skin condition
  • Review documents related to Network activities and submitted research proposals
  • Review documents to be shared with the general public and offer suggestions for revisions
  • Contribute to dissemination of the results of Network-related activities and research by reviewing strategies and materials
  • Provide feedback and recommendations for further work to promote patient engagement
  • Provide support in recruiting additional patient research partners, as needed

Expectations of Patient Research Partners

  • Value the advancement of skin research and be interested in contributing to research
  • Timely respond to emails and participation during face-to-face or telephone meetings
  • Respect diversity and different opinions
  • Work collaboratively with other team members, as well as other Network committees
  • Respect and maintain confidentiality
  • Have a working understanding of the purpose and general concepts of research – please note that CSPA will provide training throughout the year and at the annual conference & patient engagement workshop.

 Key requirements

  • Screening interview by phone
  • Sign the confidentiality agreement

Honorarium

Should you wish to receive an honorarium, SkIN Canada will provide one based on the hours you have participated, according to the patient research partner compensation and reimbursement policy.

Training

The CSPA will support Patient Research Partners to expand their knowledge about research. You don’t have to know everything about how research works in order to make a valuable contribution! The CSPA will provide updates and training to patient research partners as part of PAC meetings and at the annual conference & patient engagement workshop.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this questionnaire.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Are you interested in how research questions are chosen, how research is done and how patients can contribute to research? There are several opportunities to be a patient research partner with SkIN Canada.