While relatively new to patient-oriented research and as a MSSU Scientist (16 months), Ruth has become a strong champion for engaging people with lived experience as partners in health research. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her work and POR journey.
Q: Please share a little about yourself and your research within the Maritimes.
Kwe’ I am Ruth Harvie. I am registered dietitian, assistant professor at StFX, an affiliate scientist with Nova Scotia Health and an associate scientist with the MSSU. I spent 10 years working as a clinical dietitian in the South Island of New Zealand. I learned a lot about providing health services within rural communities. My masters and PhD research focused on the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome. I am currently collaborating with Dr. Jennifer Jones (Gastroenterologist and Associate Professor at Nova Scotia Health and Dalhousie University). We are looking at how to provide evidence based dietary treatments within Nova Scotia Health.
Q: How did you first learn about or get interested in POR?
My first real contact with patient-orientated research was when I was applying for a Nova Scotia Health Translating Research into Care (TRIC) grant. As part of the grant application we were encouraged to complete training through the MSSU on patient-oriented research and knowledge translation. Patient-oriented research immediately resonated with me and my values. I am a clinician first and foremost and I want my research to make a difference to patients as soon as possible. Furthermore, as a clinician I strongly believe in patient-centred care so learning about a systematic approach to collaborating with patients and empowering them to be involved in research excites me.
Q: Can you provide an example of how working with patient partners changed or improved your research approach?
We are currently conducting research investigating the stakeholder interest in developing the celiac service for adults. I am looking forward to recruiting patient partners to work with us on this project as they will likely provide so much guidance on what we need to learn from patients about the current service and how it could be changed. Patient partners understand the issues their communities encounter and know how to reach their community. I believe that if we had had patient partners in our virtual dietary education for irritable bowel syndrome study this would have made our recruitment strategy more effective.
Q: How has the MSSU helped you in your patient-oriented research journey?
As a clinician researcher, and yes, I still most strongly identify as a health professional, I have found the resources available on and through the MSSU invaluable. The staff, particularly the patient engagement coordinator, have been great. Any time I have a genuine question she is willing to help. I have also learned so much about patient-oriented research from reviewing the Trainee Support Program applications.
Q: What advice would you give to other researchers who are new to patient engagement?
For other researchers interested in patient-oriented research, I would strongly encourage you to complete the CIHR/ Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis training and the MSSU practicum. Then, as you are preparing grants make sure you give yourself enough time so that you can reach out to the staff in the MSSU for help. Reviewing the MSSU trainee support grants is a great way to encourage our trainees but also learn more about POR. One of the grants I reviewed blew me away with how specific the patient engagement plan was and how patient partners were going to be included in all parts of the study.
Q: Have you seen a shift toward SPOR principles within the research community?
I have seen a shift towards POR principles within the research community. I think that Nova Scotia Health and the MSSU. To be honest, I wish I had learned about POR as I was doing my masters as this approach aligns so well with my values.