Research and other patient partner opportunities
Introduction
Patient partners are those with lived experience, caregivers and/or family who collaborate with researchers to provide their unique perspectives through the research process.
The inclusion of patient partners in research results in the following (see here):
-
Improved patient safety
-
Better health outcomes
-
Reduced health care costs
-
Better decision-making.
If you want to share your patient experience, below is a list of projects currently seeking patient partners. When choosing a project, consider the following:
-
Do you fit the listed criteria?
-
Do you have the requisite time and energy to commit fully to the project?
-
Can you participate from home or will the project require your attendance elsewhere?
Opportunities
Research on Long COVID, Gait and Balance
The RELEARN (REhabilitation of the Lower Extremities AfteR Neurological Injury) Lab at the University of Toronto is recruiting participants with Long COVID for a study on walking and balance. This study defines Long COVID as someone with a history of confirmed COVID infection and reporting symptoms 3 months after the onset, and lasting a minimum of 2 months that can’t be explained by other diagnoses.
Target Participants: People with lived experience
Learn more here.
Research on Long COVID in Diverse Communities
Researchers are seeking adults living with Long COVID to participate in a study exploring its impact on health, daily life, and recovery within diverse communities. Participants will take part in an online focus group or individual interview (60–90 minutes) and receive a $50 gift card in appreciation. The study aims to identify barriers, supports, and community-driven solutions to improve well-being and health outcomes for people living with Long COVID. At this time, participants who identify as South Asian, Asian, or Black are being recruited.
If you are interested in participating or if you have any questions, please contact the coordinator via email covidstudy@ottawaheart.ca or at (613) 6967000 x 18949.
Member, Kootenay Boundary Patient Advisory Committee (PACC Committee)
The Patient Advisory Committee and Community (PACC) works with the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice, Interior Health and other health care partners to contribute to real and constructive change in the region. The mission of the PACC is to empower patients through knowledge and active collaboration in health care.
More information here.
Deadline: September 4, 2026
Barriers and Facilitators to Patient Engagement in Research and Research Related Activities – Survey
This survey is being conducted by members of the PEPR Partnership – standing for Partnership for the Engagement of People in Pain Research. We are inviting people with lived experience of chronic pain who have been involved in research or engaged in research adjacent organizations, nationally funded research networks, national grassroots pain organizations, etc., to participate in this survey.
Open to: Participants across Canada
Deadline: August 31
Barriers and Facilitators to Patient Engagement in Research and Research Related Activities – Survey
This survey is being conducted by members of the PEPR Partnership – standing for Partnership for the Engagement of People in Pain Research. We are inviting people with lived experience of chronic pain who have been involved in research or engaged in research adjacent organizations, nationally funded research networks, national grassroots pain organizations, etc., to participate in this survey.
More information here.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
The goal of the medical racism project is to hear from patients and community members who are black, racialized AND disabled about their experiences navigating the healthcare sector. We will also be building a toolkit informed by those participating in the focus groups so that we can advocate for a more equitable healthcare sector.
You have the option to participate in either a virtual/ online focus group or an in-person focus group. To compensate you for your time, each participant will receive a $50 e-gift card.
Register here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to khadija@djnbc.ca or sarah@djnbc.ca.