"What is Patient-Oriented Research (POR) and How Can I Get Involved?" (Watch video here)
We are passionate about the meaningful engagement that can happen through support, mutual respect and inclusion of diverse perspectives. We believe that by working together with patients, caregivers, family members and friends with unique, personal experiences of health issues or the healthcare system, we can make the healthcare research that informs health care policy and practice more accessible and relevant to all Albertans.
Learn More
AbSPORU Patient Partner Compensation Guidelines
Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU.ca) website
Patient and Community Engagement Research (PaCER) Program,
University of Calgary, Continuing Education
3-minute video about the PaCER Program
Patient Engagement Journal Club Recordings
Podcasts about Patient Engagement (PEP Talks)
AbSPORU SPOR Northwest Forum Recordings
"Who is a Patient?" (60 second video)
We are all considered 'patients' in health research. Check out our 60-second animated video to learn why!
Qui est un Patient? - YouTube (French)
To learn more about the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) visit site here
https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html
To learn how the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funds public health research in Canada
https://youtu.be/m6h3jMlmx6s?si=m4k_MmptZmEVs0bl
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT Units
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Ethics Guidance for Developing Partnerships with Patients and Researchers
Link to document here.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Considerations when paying patient partners in research
Link to document here.
AbSPORU, Ethical Considerations Partnering in Patient-Oriented Research
AbSPORU, Terms of Reference Template for Patient Advisory Councils
About Us
The Albertans4Health Research (AB4HR.ca) network is a place for those with lived experience of a health condition, either themselves or as a caregiver, family member or friend, to connect with health research teams and engage as active and equal partners on health research projects and activities. We are supported by the Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, (AbSPORU) Patient Engagement Team.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) initiative recognizes that patient partners contribute valuable lived/living experience and unique perspectives essential to informing health research studies. Patient engagement makes research results more relevant and meaningful to those studies are intended to benefit. As well, findings are often able to be implemented sooner, and in language and formats more accessible to more communities and populations. Learn more about the SPOR Initiative and connect to other SPOR SUPPORT Unit resources here.
You will see Research Opportunities here on this main page. Please connect with the researchers directly about projects you are interested in. You can also "Volunteer" and receive regular emails about different research opportunities, and the AB4HR activities and events; sometimes we might ask for your opinions and insights regarding our work. This online network uses the term "Volunteer" because of the universal volunteer management software but most opportunities offer compensation for your time and contribution of essential lived-experience expertise as well as reimbursement for any direct costs associated with engagement.
Contact Us
We are happy to answer your questions! We offer services and supports for researchers and patient and community research partners across Alberta.
If you have questions or are looking to access services or supports, please email the AbSPORU Patient Engagement Team peplatformab@gmail.com
Doing Patient-Oriented Research (POR) in Alberta? Apply online for research services and support through AbSPORU.ca
Social Media
@AbSPORU AbSPORU X
Facebook AbSPORU AbSPORU Patient Engagement Team Facebook
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"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
