Foundations: Patient Partners Engaging in Cardiovascular Research

TRANSFORM HF and The Heart Hub want to build and sustain a vibrant community of local People With Lived Experience (PWLE) who are “research-ready!” This free workshop series was co-developed by PWLE with the goal of training and empowering patients, caregivers, and family members. The three-session series is intended for heart function patients living in the Greater Toronto Area and does require in-person participation.

12 PWLE applicants will be admitted into the course based upon application selection criteria and with consideration to equity, diversity, and inclusion. A mix of theoretical content, experiential learning, and case studies will introduce foundational lessons and skills. Material will be delivered by researchers, health systems experts, and seasoned PWLE partners. The third and final workshop will involve collaborating with UHN Investigators on real-world projects, with the potential to be invited on as a PWLE partner.

1. Identify as a community of knowledgeable people with lived experience of heart disease ready to co-create with researchers.
2. Describe the role of the patient partners in health research, assess its challenges and opportunities and evaluate own strengths and needs as a patient partner.
3. Access and utilize patient-oriented research resources for patient partners to be meaningfully engaged at every stage of the research journey
4. Summarize Canada’s research environment, research funding, peer review, research terminology and frameworks for patient engagement.

Course participants, UHN Investigators, and existing PWLE partners will be invited to a lunch reception directly following the culminating workshop to celebrate the amazing contributions of our patient and caregiver partners!

Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop, space is limited. Participants will be selected based upon their responses to this application form, with a focus on ensuring a diversity of representation, experience, and perspectives. You may be placed on a wait-list. Travel and expenses related to the third workshop session will be covered for all attendees.

Please complete this application form by January 5, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by January 17, 2025.