Research Essentials for Patient Advocates

BTOG has released the second webcast in its Advocacy Training series for people with the lived experience of thoracic malignancy who may be interested in becoming involved as Patient Advocates in Research.Building on the first webcast, this session explores how patient advocates can contribute meaningfully throughout the research process, from the development of grant applications through to understanding and interpreting research results.Dr Cecilia Pompili discusses how patient advocates can help shape research proposals by asking important practical questions: does this matter to patients, would the burden be acceptable, are the right outcomes being measured, and how will participants hear about the results?Professor Allan Hackshaw then explains why research findings need to be evaluated carefully, including how new treatments are compared with standard care, how benefits can be measured, and why it is important to weigh benefits against side effects, symptoms and quality of life.The webcast concludes with a fireside chat with Sally Hall, who shares her experience as a patient advocate and reflects on the importance of early involvement, plain language, realistic time commitments, training, support and the value of bringing the patient perspective into every stage of research.This webcast is suitable for patients, survivors, caregivers and anyone with lived experience of thoracic malignancy who may be interested in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research.