What is a research partner?

Our research is strengthened by partnering and engaging with patients and other people with lived experience of cancer (collectively called “partners” in the rest of this document). Partners bring expertise from their unique experiences and knowledge gained through living with or caring for someone with cancer, as well as their experiences with treatments and the health care system. We value our partners’ time and contributions to our research, and compensate them accordingly. Please see our compensation policy below for further information.

• Respect for their time, experiences, knowledge, and the recognition of the vulnerability that participation may bring;

• Meetings will be scheduled at times and locations that accommodate the majority of participants;

• Meeting materials will be provided with enough time in advance for review and reflection;

• Accommodations for disability and/or health requirements provided as requested by partners;

• Commitment to working with and learning from them;

• Understanding of their personal situation

• Training and providing support where/if required;

• Addressing and responding to their questions and concerns;

• Confidentiality when requested by partners.

• Declare all actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest;

• Respect privacy and confidentiality of all meeting proceedings and attendees, as appropriate;

• Arrive for meetings prepared;

• Participate in all activities as arranged and provide notice of absence, if feasible;

• Participate in discussions: provide feedback, constructive input and criticism, raise issues, ask questions, and solve problems in an open and collaborative manner;

• Respect all people, even if in disagreement with a point of view;

• Draw upon knowledge, networks, and experience to provide input into discussions and decisions

Partners can stop taking part in activities or withdraw from committees at any time. Please keep in mind that compensation will reflect actual participation.We welcome partners of all ages. In the case of partners who are under the age of majority (18 y.o.), we will need permission from a parent or guardian to communicate with the partner directly or to include them in specific activities. The Health Services Research Lab will arrange to include parents or guardians in activities, to support the partner and/or to travel with them. The Health Services Research Lab will review its budget annually and reserves the right to change compensation rates or levels of partner participation that are funded, as needed. The Partner Compensation Policy and Procedures will be applied to all partner activities. The exact amount and eligibility of compensation for a given activity will be determined in advance.