Evaluation of the partners in research course: a patient and researcher co-created course to build capacity in patient-oriented research

Abstract

Plain English Summary Patient-oriented research (POR) is the meaningful inclusion of patients as active contributing partners in research. In meaningful POR, patients are engaged and valued as contributory members of the research team throughout the research process, from developing research questions, participating in research activities, to sharing new research findings. In Canada, POR is recognized as an important component of research and many healthcare institutions aim to engage patients in their work. However, there is little guidance on how patients and researchers can effectively participate as equal partners in research activities. To address the need for POR education opportunities, we launched Partners in Research (PiR), a 2–month online course for patients and researchers to learn how to conduct and engage in POR. This paper describes the design, delivery, and evaluation of the PiR course, with a focus on the following objectives: (1) To assess the impact of the PiR course on participant knowledge, confidence, intentions and use of POR (2) To determine the quality of course design and delivery and its ability to achieve learning objectives (3) To identify factors that limit and facilitate participation in POR The findings from the evaluation show that the PiR course was effective in increasing knowledge of, and confidence in POR concepts. In addition, the course was well-received, with participants reporting a high level of engagement in course content and activities. Overall, this work supports our understanding of how to design useful and engaging opportunities to increase patient and researcher capacity in POR.

Keywords

• Patient and public involvement
• Patient-oriented research
• Patient engagement
• Course evaluation
• Co-creation
• PPI training