Patient Advocates
What is a Patient Advocate?
A Patient Advocate is someone affected by diabetes (or someone at risk of developing diabetes) who participates in one or more of the Diabetes Research Network’s activities. This may be with a DRN group or committee, such as a national committee organised by the DRN coordinating centre, or one connected to a DRN Local Research Network centre in one of the DRN’s regions. A number of such committees and advisory groups are operating within the DRN, each working towards the common goals of improving the care, treatment, prevention and diagnosis of people affected by diabetes.
The role of any Patient Advocate is to put forward their own perspective, sharing their knowledge and experiences, as someone affected diabetes.
What Difference Could You Make?
As a Patient Advocate, you could play a vital role within the DRN, ensuring that our focus remains on research that is relevant to the public and that may improve patient care in the UK. Among other things, Patient Advocates may help to:
- set research priorities
- develop research studies and collaborations
- develop patient information literature that aids recruitment into trials and studies
What Support Will I Get?
Information about becoming involved in research and taking part in DRN activities will be supplied before participation begins. This will include:
- a system to fully reimburse expenses incurred as part of your involvement with the DRN
- a description of what your group may be seeking to achieve, and what your role in that group may be
- details of any training opportunities available during your period of involvement
- the offer of a scientific mentor to discuss technical or scientific aspects, should you wish one and should your group have such a focus
If you are interested in helping the Diabetes Research Network by becoming a Patient Advocate, please contact the Patient and Public Liaison Officer, or sign up on the registration form.