The Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU) has announced an innovative change to their Patient-Oriented Research (POR) training, aimed at addressing timing challenges and providing a more accessible learning experience for participants. The new delivery format, set to launch in September, significantly reduces the time commitment required, making it easier for individuals to engage in this critical area of healthcare research.
The highlight of this new format is the introduction of a practicum that replaces the previous two, half-day training sessions. Instead, participants will engage in an immersive 2.5-hour webinar that focuses on patient engagement and patient-oriented research specific to the Maritimes. Attendees will collaboratively develop patient engagement plans, gaining hands-on experience in designing research strategies that genuinely involve patients and align with their needs.
To enroll in the new session, individuals are required to complete the learning modules provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA). These foundational modules lay the groundwork for understanding patient engagement and its significance in driving meaningful research outcomes.
Dr. Daniel Dutton, Science Lead for Capacity Development at MSSU, emphasized the importance of adapting to the needs of participants: “We understand that individuals often face time constraints due to their professional commitments. By reformatting the training, we aim to make patient-oriented research education more accessible without compromising the quality of the content we deliver.”
The MSSU has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients to drive patient-oriented research in the Maritime provinces. Patient-oriented research places patients at the heart of the research process, ensuring that studies are relevant, applicable, and focused on addressing real-world healthcare needs.
MSSU Executive Director Marina Hamilton said this innovative change to their training program further highlights the unit’s commitment to advancing patient-centered healthcare solutions.
“By condensing the training into a focused and engaging webinar, we aim to provide a more impactful learning experience for participants. The integration of practical exercises, such as developing a patient engagement plan, ensures that individuals are not only well-versed in the theory but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to the field.”
The practical workshop will be offered in both English and French.
For more information and to register for an upcoming webinar, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the MSSU upcoming events webpage: https://mssu-old.test/events/upcoming-events/