Participant Engagement for Equitable Research (PEER) Program
PEER connects UK researchers with patients and/or caregivers from our local communities who can provide feedback on specific health conditions so that research studies are designed to include needs that have been identified by people with real-life experience.
If you are a patient or caregiver who's interested in sharing your perspectives to inform the research process, please complete this interest form.
Researchers interested in connecting with patients or caregivers through the PEER Program can submit a CCTS Service Request Form.
Who are PEER Experts?
PEER Experts are patients or caregivers who have had significant experience with a health condition OR represent a specific population within the healthcare system (such as rural patients with lung cancer). PEER Experts will be “trained” by going through an orientation session to learn about research methods, interacting with researchers, and the PEER Studio process.
What is a PEER Studio?
A PEER Studio is a facilitated conversation session between a researcher and a PEER Expert to help enhance the planning, design, implementation, translation, or dissemination of a research study.
Sessions are facilitated by a neutral-member of the PEER team and generally last one to two hours.
Why is PEER feedback important?
Involving patients/caregivers in the research process helps to ensure that the needs of people impacted by health conditions and the healthcare system are prioritized within efforts to improve care and wellbeing.
Benefits for PEER Experts
- Your time and perspective are valuable. An honorarium (financial compensation) will be provided for each orientation and studio session you attend.
- Mileage will be reimbursed.
- Serving as a PEER Expert is an opportunity to learn more about health research and possibly shape its direction.
- You might have the opportunity to connect with other patients in your community.
Please note that serving as a PEER Expert is not an opportunity to seek medical advice.
What's expected of PEER Experts?
- Attend an orientation session (either virtual or at UK)
- Attend PEER Studio(s)
Who can apply to be a PEER Expert?
People who have experience as a patient or caregiver may be eligible to serve as a PEER Expert.
Ideal qualities include:
- Willingness to share opinions and aspects of their personal experiences
- Curiosity about health research and new ways to address health/healthcare problems
- Commitment to confidentiality
To request a PEER Studio, click on the blue button below to go the CCTS service request form. You will be prompted to log in with your LinkBlue ID. Complete the applicable fields and select “PEER Studio” from the service and resource menu.
The first cohort of PEER Experts is now full. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest?
If you would like to be considered as a PEER Expert for the next cohort, please check this page in August 2024.
