Establishing a research advisory committee in addictions services with a focus on social needs and social isolation

Substance use disorders and unmet social needs (like housing instability and social isolation) are major contributors to U.S. morbidity and mortality. We, patients, staff and researchers, established a research advisory committee (RAC) in an addictions treatment setting to guide research and interventions based on lived-experience.

We employed community engaged outreach methods to recruit, train, and establish the RAC, and the 10-Step Framework for Continuous Patient-Engagement to advise research activities, and to initiate our own research.

The RAC contributed unique insights, advising on 12 research projects. We present the process and challenges of establishing the RAC and the benefits to researchers and advisors. We also summarize a case example of a co-developed a research project related to housing stability and social connection.

This experience shows that establishing a patient/community advisory committee in addictions treatment settings is doable and valuable. Co-authoring this manuscript has allowed us to share how we are shaping research that is more likely to be acceptable to community participants and feasible to implement, especially for populations with addictions and facing barriers related to social determinants of health.