Patient Engagement Network

The QCRI-PEN committee will help build connections with local cancer patients, caregivers and family members in Kingston and surrounding communities to establish the network. The committee will contribute to the planning, development and delivery of educational events for the local community that will help inform network participants on topics across the continuum of QCRI research. QCRI investigators and trainees will also interact with network members to learn about lived experiences in cancer care that will inform their research questions and perspectives. The QCRI-PEN committee will also build opportunities for network members to formulate new QCRI-PEN committee initiatives, get involved in QCRI research projects and help assess internal funding competitions. The committee will be informed by best practices for patient engagement (eg. complete CIHR modules), and for equity/diversity/inclusion/indigeneity (EDII) to ensure that the network is inclusive and represents the diversity of local communities. Our vision is to connect cancer researchers with community members to engage, empower and advocate for improved cancer knowledge, care and survivorship.

Short-term goal

Building a connection between QCRI researchers, cancer patients, survivors, and their families who prioritize meaningful engagement in cancer advocacy and research.

Long-term goal

Developing impactful advocacy and research partnerships between clinicians, researchers and persons affected by cancer.

The value for patients that participate in the QCRI-PEN events include: 

Collaboration: Learning and contributing to the research process by working together with researchers and clinicians as well as other patients, caregivers, and family members.

• Interpreting scientific findings and their significance for those impacted by cancer
• Shaping future studies at QCRI by getting involved throughout the research process

Education: Gaining insight into research being done at QCRI:

• Research communications blog on QCRI-PEN website and through social media
• Research talk series highlighting current research at QCRI geared towards the needs and interests of the local community impacted by cancer

Connection: Making connections with others impacted by cancer in a research-minded context:

• Opportunities to share stories, ideas, lived experiences with like-minded individuals facing relatable circumstances
• Connecting with the QCRI community, unified in the spirit of combatting cancer together

Actions & Reporting

The committee will meet monthly (on average; zoom or in person) and will report on their progress quarterly to the Executive Management Committee of the QCRI. Working groups with focus on education, communications and research opportunities (amongst other potential topics) will be struck to advance these areas within the QCRI-PEN and report back to the full committee at regular meetings.