On June 8 and 9, the inaugural New Brunswick SPOR Summit took place at the Université de Moncton. Bringing together representatives from SPOR networks and patient advisors, the theme was Engaging Patients in Research in New Brunswick.
The Summit kicked off with a moving address by researcher and patient, Julie Easley, who spoke on the challenges and opportunities for patient engagement in research from the perspective of a patient. Network presentations followed, with the following networks delivering remarks: the Maritime SPOR Support Unit (MSSU), ACCESS Open Minds New Brunswick (AOMNB), NB SPOR Network in Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovations (NB PIHCI), Child Health Initiatives Limiting Disability- Brain Research Improving Growth & Health Trajectories (CHILD-BRIGHT), and Diabetes Action Canada.
Day two of the summit was all about patient engagement. Insightful presentations were given by the MSSU’s Patient Engagement Coordinator Brian Condran and Clinical Research Manager Bryn Robinson. The day was also filled with robust group discussion sessions regarding what patient engagement means and how it can be achieved. Key points from these conversations were shared by each group in roundtable discussions.
As the first SPOR Summit came to a close, the energy in the room was palpable following the conversation and collaboration among participants. The Summit was just the beginning of what undoubtedly will be a successful partnership among the SPOR networks and patients to create engaging research opportunities and improve health care for all of New Brunswick.