Research Opportunities

Research opportunities can take many forms, and there are lots of ways to get involved. Taking part could be as simple as learning more about what research can do, or it could be as complex as leading your own research study. Patient engagement in health research is making a difference in Alberta. You can help contribute.

WHAT’S THE ALBERTANS4HEALTHRESEARCH NETWORK?

The Albertans4HealthResearch Network is an interactive system for researchers and research partners. Partners can be patients, family members, caregivers, students, and anyone with an interest in health research.

Supported by the Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU) and other partners, the network is a place where you can connect with research teams and play an active role in provincial health research. It offers personalized services, posts opportunities related to research, connects and matches users, and supports you as you take part in research.

WHAT TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

Explore the different levels of engagement below and find out how you can take part.

1. LEARN

Get started by attending an orientation or information session. In this open setting, you can get answers to your questions and find out how to take part.

2. PARTICIPATE

Join a health research study as a subject or participant. These studies include observational studies, interventional studies, and other types of data-gathering studies.

3. CONSULT

Share your thoughts about specific research activities by joining focus groups, taking part in priority-setting activities, or acting as a member of a working group or expert panel.

4. INVOLVE

Become an active, engaged member of a standing working group or research advisory committee and work directly with a research team throughout their project.

5. COLLABORATE

Shape the way research is conducted by acting as a co-investigator, by being equal partners with a researcher, or by joining a research steering committee.

6. LEAD/SUPPORT

Support and direct research activities by co-leading activities and projects with researchers or by joining patient or community steering committees.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?

As a research partner, you can use your stories, experiences, expertise, and knowledge to help researchers decide what to study. This means research findings are more relevant to patients, investigators, health care administrators, and policy makers. These research findings can also improve care coordination in the health care system.

When you partner in health research, it changes the way you interact with our health care system. You can ensure that researchers are studying issues and conditions that are meaningful to you. Participation allows you to explore what your role as a patient can and should be, and it helps you become an advocate for your health and the health of those you care about.

HOW CAN I TAKE PART?

The Albertans4HealthResearch Network offers lots of opportunities to help plan, carry out, analyze, and share health research. Sign up for the network today and take part in whatever roles or research opportunities appeal to you.