Abstract: FR-PO1046
Peer-to-Peer Patient Partner Recruitment: Enhancing Peer Engagement for Successful Patient Partner Recruitment in a National Kidney Health Research Network
Session Information
- Social, Environmental, and Economic Determinants of Kidney Health
October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Talson, Melanie D., The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Wilde, Claudia, The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Cook, Charles L., Can-SOLVE CKD Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Loverock, Kelly, Can-SOLVE CKD Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Group or Team Name
- Can-SOLVE CKD Network.
Background
Patient partnership in kidney health research is recognized as an equitable approach to improving patient outcomes. Patient Partners/People with Lived Experience (PWLE) are co-researchers with lived experience of illness as patients or caregivers. Methods to recruit PWLE are poorly understood and not widely reported on. Together with two PWLE as co-researchers, we present successful PWLE recruitment strategies within the national Can-SOLVE CKD research network, funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research whose focus is on transforming kidney research through meaningful patient engagement. We present the results of the co-development of practical PWLE recruitment methods and tools, including a peer-to-peer recruitment strategy.
Methods
We conducted an environmental scan of existing research in academic publications; gathered data from the network’s nine project reports and reviews, from the network website that connects researchers with PWLE; and, finally we conducted a survey and roundtable discussions with two network patient advisory councils to identify the most effective recruitment methods and strategies. Data were consolidated and analyzed thematically to identify successes and challenges to inform the development of a PWLE recruitment toolkit.
Results
A common challenge among researchers is the recruitment of PWLE; especially for recruiting ethnically- and gender-diverse participants. Effective PWLE recruitment strategies are categorized thematically along socio-spatial distances, including: (1) macro-level; (2) meso-level; and (3) micro-level and temporally according to illness/treatment stabilization. Peer engagement in the form of peer-to-peer recruitment is the most common route to patient partnership; however, a multi-faceted approach is the most effective way to reach the most diverse participants.
Conclusion
Recruiting PWLE as partners in research in the kidney health research context may present some challenges, especially for harder-to-reach participants; however, by targeting various levels of reach, considering timing of recruitment and promoting peer-to-peer recruitment will enable a strategy for success.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support