The North American Primary Care Research Group’s Patient and Clinician Engagement Program (PaCE): Demystifying patient engagement through a dyad model

Abstract

Background.

Community engagement in research is essential for translating the best evidence into community and clinical practice to improve the health and well-being of the population.

Objective.

North American Primary Care Research Group’s Patient and Clinician Engagement Program (PaCE) program aims to develop a robust community of patients and primary care providers with knowledge and understanding of the unique features of patient-centred outcomes research related to primary care in order to advocate for and engage in research.

Methods.

PaCE employs a ‘dyad’ model in which a patient and a primary care provider collaborate to learn about and engage in primary care, primary care research, grant review, proposal development and advocacy. A series of educational trainings held in conjunction with national primary care conferences, international webinars and local symposia make up the foundation of the PaCE curriculum.

Results and Conclusions.

To date, 186 participants have completed the full-day, interactive PaCE training, and more than 250 people have participated in PaCE webinars and/or symposia. A 6-month follow-up sent to PaCE participants evaluates engagement activities following training.

Community medicine, doctor–patient relationship, health promotion, patient education, primary care.