Patient advocates help researchers avoid "bumps in the road"

Does a consumer training work? a follow-up survey of the PartecipaSalute training programs

Background

When properly trained through training programs on epidemiology, clinical research and healthcare policy, members of patients’/consumers’ organizations could be helpful for a patient-oriented healthcare system. Since 2006 the not for profit project PartecipaSalute has organized periodic editions of a training program for representatives of citizens’/patients’ organizations. After five editions of this training program, a survey of the long-term satisfaction and the impact on activities has been carried out.

Methods

A 17-questions follow-up questionnaire has been developed. The sample comprised 99 people who had taken part in at least one program edition.

Results

The overall response rate was 89% (89 responders/99 participants). About 98% of participants expressed general satisfaction with the training program and with the knowledge gained. Medical and informative topics were rated better than technical ones for their usefulness (96% versus 86%). The results of the survey showed a strong impact of the training course on single participants, while a weak outcome on the activities of the organizations was reported.

Conclusions

The training program was positively rated, and improvements in personal knowledge were reported. Less impact was reported on organizations’ activities. Participants showed a remarkable willingness to get more involved in healthcare decisions, and to boost their knowledge of health and research issues. The results show the importance of follow-up to understand the real value of training program and to better organize future programs.

How have patient advocates in the United States benefited cancer research?

Cancer patient advocates represent those affected by cancer and have a broad view of cancer research. They are involved in many diverse cancer research committees, where they can help tackle old problems from new perspectives that often differ from government, academic, medical and scientific approaches. In this role, patient advocates have aided the development of educational dialogue between investigators and patient communities and assisted in streamlining cancer research policies and clinical trials.

Development and implementation of a science training course for breast cancer activists: Project LEAD (leadership, education and advocacy development)

OBJECTIVE

To develop and implement Project LEAD (leadership, education, and advocacy development), a science course for breast cancer activists.

POPULATION

Students were breast cancer activists and other consumers, mainly affiliated with advocacy organizations in the United States of America.

SETTING

Project LEAD is offered by the National Breast Cancer Coalition; the course takes place over 5 days and is offered 4 times a year, in various cities in the United States of America.

RESULTS

The Project LEAD curriculum has developed over 5 years to include lectures, problem-based study groups, case studies, interactive critical appraisal sessions, a seminar by an 'expert' scientist, role play, and homework components. A core faculty has been valuable for evaluating and revising the course and has proved necessary to provide consistent high quality teaching. Course evaluations indicated that students gained critical appraisal skills, enhanced their knowledge and developed confidence in selected areas of basic science and epidemiology.

CONCLUSIONS

Project LEAD comprises a unique curriculum for training breast cancer activists in science and critical appraisal. Course evaluations indicate that students gain confidence and skills from the course.