An innovative lab-based training program to help patient groups understand their disease and the research process

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Patient Advocacy

Background:

• Effective collaboration between patient groups and medical experts is crucial but difficult.
• Patient engagement in research is vital for advancing medical understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a successful training program designed to foster genuine partnerships between patient groups and medical experts.
• To enhance patient understanding of disease and the biomedical research process.

Main Methods:

• Organizing hands-on, laboratory-based training sessions for patient group members.
• Facilitating direct interaction between patients and researchers/clinicians.

Main Results:

• Over 900 French patients have participated in the training program over the past decade.
• More than 60 researchers and clinicians have actively engaged with patient participants.

Conclusions:

• The training program successfully strengthens links between patients and local researchers.
• Hands-on sessions improve patient comprehension of their disease and the research landscape.