OCC’S RESEARCH IS PATIENT CENTRED AND WE BELIEVE THAT CLINICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY CAN BE ENHANCED BY THE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE DISEASE.
OCC’s Patient Partners in Research (PPiR) program was developed in 2020 to ensure the voices of those with lived experience are at the forefront of research. Engaging ovarian cancer patients as partners reflects our philosophy that the relevance, importance, and impact of research can be enhanced with input and viewpoints of those affected by this disease.
Members of the PPiR team include ovarian cancer patients, previvors, caregivers, or loved ones, each bringing their unique perspective and shared experience to inform research. Members were selected to ensure a diverse representation of ovarian cancer types, age, sexuality, cultural backgrounds, and geography. The program is led by OCC’s Director of Research and Research Coordinator, and patient advocates.
Who can participate?
People diagnosed with ovarian cancer
Previvors (people at increased risk for ovarian cancer)
Caregivers
Family members/loved ones
Why Participate?
The PPiR program complements and maximizes the impact of cancer research conducted by OCC-supported scientists. Our patient-centred research prioritizes questions that are relevant and meaningful to patients and their loved ones.
HELP IMPROVE OUTCOMES
The voice of a patient partner can significantly influence the advancement of ovarian cancer care, improving outcomes for future generations.
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
By contributing their personal experience, patient partners make a lasting impact on research, advocacy, and support, leaving behind a legacy of progress.
ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF OVARIAN CANCER
The PPiR program facilitates meaningful exchanges between patients and researchers, including early career scientists and research trainees. Through collaboration, patient partners enhance the understanding of the ovarian cancer experience and empower contributions to healthcare.
HOW DO PATIENTS PARTICIPATE?
All members of the PPiR program are required to complete the Science of Cancer online course, in addition to task-specific training dependent on the engagement opportunity. Some examples of activities that PPiR team members participate in include:
- Serving as patient reviewers on grant funding (pre-clinical and clinical) and trainee award review panels
- Participating as embedded research team members on OCC-funded projects (both clinical and pre-clinical)
- Speaking opportunities at OCC events and national and international research conferences
- Participating in small interactive sessions with researchers and trainees
- Consulting and co-developing funding proposals, patient surveys, and educational tools
- Consulting on strategic planning such as program guidelines, research partnership agreements, programmatic design, and patient engagement best practices
- Participating in graduate student advisory committees
- Participating in research and system advocacy alongside OCC