Previous Patient Partner Experiences

Patient partners report making improvements to their own health management, learning to better utilize the health-care system, and gaining confidence after participating in research.²

“This project has helped me to expand my thinking…to redefine who I am, and work towards the goal of making it my career”²

“I can put a ‘patient lens’ on the review, thinking about what makes sense to me… insight about living with that condition – feeling the physical impacts, the emotional roller coaster, the affect on relationships with friends and loved ones – can only come from us.” ¹ - Ann-Marie Julien

What do patient partners value the most about their experience?

• Working alongside health-care professionals as part of a research team and possibly pursuing other research opportunities such as follow-up projects with the same research group.
  • “[It] allowed me to create a patient presence at conferences. Supported me in taking the steps to get into medical school.”²
• Developing a better understanding of research, research methods, and the process of conducting a study along with the research topic.
  • “Being a research partner was a chance to gain information about their cancer and a wider perspective on cancer research in general.”³
• Creating a positive contribution to research that is applicable to society by representing an important perspective and having a voice as an equal contributor in research.
  • “When my mom had her stroke I was the decision maker. I will never forget how stressful that was. I want to help make the entire process as easy as it can possibly be for both the family member and the patient.”²
• Being able to represent underserved communities such as seniors, ethnic minorities, and rural populations.
  • “Because the research in the Latino community affected by cancer is insufficient and through research projects we will enhance the quality of life of future generations.”²
• Being able to further develop skills in areas of communication and leadership in the context of research.³
  • “I've learned about how such tools could be implemented and used to enrich patients' lives. My own work has become more patient-centered and I've improved my ability to work as part of a team.”²
• Building new relationships by connecting with and learning from other patients and caregivers in the community.
  • “It gave me further insight into others’ lived experiences, enabling me to prepare for a future, which could see me on a parallel journey.”³