Consumer impact on arthritis research

Tags: Poster
Miller K1, Richards D1, L égar é J1, Wilhelm L1, Bergeron L1, Coderre J1, Cooper D1, DeBow C1, Hughes S1, Riddick A1
1Consumer Advisory Council, Canadian Arthritis Network, Canada

Objective: To demonstrate the relevance and value of consumer involvement in arthritis research with examples specific to the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN). Methods: CAN supports integrated, multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research and training. The consumers consumers (people living with arthritis) on CAN s Consumer Advisory Council have extensive and varied advocacy and self-management experience, representing a range of professional experiences, ages, cultures, and languages. Consumers work with researchers, students, and stakeholders to shape research and training initiatives. CAC impacts research through: membership on committees and integration into CAN s governance structure, collaborating and advising on research projects, participating in training activities, and engaging in knowledge translation and exchange. Results: Consumers are voting members on the Research Management Committee, act as peer reviewers on the Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee and the Training and Education Committee and have observation status on the Board of Directors. Consumers collaborate with researchers on research projects. Consumers participate and present at training activities of consumers, researchers and CAN trainees. Consumer act as co-presenters in each session at the CAN Annual Scientific Conference. Consumers are involved in knowledge translation and exchange activities on many levels. Consumers are regularly involved with writing articles and papers in various publications and deliver presentations to national and international audiences. Conclusion: Consumer participation in CAN s research-related activities provides people living with arthritis the opportunity to work with researchers on CAN s mission of a world free of arthritis. This poster showcases the relevance and value of consumer involvement in arthritis research by using examples specific to the Canadian Arthritis Network.