Research Buddy partnership in a MD–PhD program: lessons learned

Abstract

Plain English summary The importance of patient involvement in research is gaining recognition. Existing research centres, as well as those that are just getting started, need to find their own way to involve patients and community members. However, learning from the experience of others is crucial to ensure every effort is made to do this in a fruitful way. Therefore, we aimed to share our experience and provide a list of lessons learned to help other researchers and patients get started and work together effectively. Our research centre developed a framework for involving patients in joint replacement research. Part of this framework is a ‘Research Buddy’ program, where a research student partners with a patient so that the research they conduct is more relevant and applicable to the target population. In our case, the research student partnered with someone who had a hip replacement to develop and test a questionnaire for an interview study about artificial intelligence in shared decision-making. The student and patient worked together and wrote this perspective piece outlining nine lessons so readers can learn from their experience of this program. The lessons were: learn from experience, tailor the program, get involved early, embrace uniqueness, meet regularly, build rapport, ensure mutual benefit, broad involvement, regularly reflect and review. People interested in starting, or improving, their own patient involvement activities can learn from our experience. These lessons will need to be adapted to fit the purpose and unique situation of other researchers and patients who have different needs and circumstances.

Keywords

• Patient
• Partnership
• Involvement
• Co-design
• Research Buddy