Solutions for Kids in Pain: Embedding and actioning patient partnership in a national knowledge mobilization network

Patient engagement is now often expected or required by funders for research projects, initiatives, or networks. Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) is a national knowledge mobilization network in Canada that is on a mission to mobilize evidence-based solutions in children's pain through coordination and collaboration. SKIP began as a Networks of Centres of Excellence-Knowledge Mobilization (NCE-KM) network from 2019 to 2024 and continues as a university-based centre. SKIP was built on a foundation of engaging with patients (children and youth) and caregivers (parents) primarily guided by the Patients Included™ charter.

This paper shares SKIP's leading approach to patient partnership during its time as a NCE-KM network. As required by its NCE funding, SKIP was hosted by an academic institution (Dalhousie University) and co-led by a knowledge user partner (Children's Healthcare Canada), with six hubs across Canada. Here, we demonstrate how SKIP integrated patient partners through its governance, management, committees, and KM activities. We also discuss patient partnership resources developed by SKIP to support its implementation of quality patient partnership practices. Three case examples show in detail how SKIP tailored and evolved its patient partnership approach to specific projects and context. These examples include SKIP's Patient and Caregiver Advisory Committee, a national Youth in Pain project, and integrating patient partners in the co-development of Canada's first national health standard for Pediatric Pain Management. Each case demonstrates foundational principles to SKIP's patient partnership including providing compensation and efforts to create safe and inclusive spaces.

SKIP's commitment to patient partnership is actioned through integrating patient partners throughout all aspects of its work. We share insights gained from SKIP's patient partnership activities during its time as an NCE-KM network, including developed resources and practices. We encourage others to adopt and adapt our learnings and resources for their own work. As SKIP's NCE-KM funding and structure ends and the organization continues as a university-based centre, SKIP remains committed to developing and sharing leading patient partnership practices.