This casebook project is one of many featured in the lived experience in research road map resource, developed by the BC SUPPORT Unit. Explore the full set of casebook projects.
Repurposing the Ordering of Routine Laboratory Tests (RePORT)
Project team members include:
- Principle investigator: Anshula Ambasta
- Team members: Suraksha Pokhare, Annabel Chapman, Madelyn Knaub, D’Arcy Duquette, Nancy Verdin, Anna Rychtera, Kim Giroux, Veronika Kiryanova, Prachi Khanna, Santiago Leon, Pamela Mathura
What is this project about?
The Re-Purposing the ordering of Routine Laboratory Tests (RePORT) project is an interprovincial patient-oriented research program that aims to reduce the overuse of laboratory testing in hospitalized patients. RePORT engages both healthcare providers and patients to develop and implement specific intervention strategies to achieve this goal, including a learning module for physicians, and provider and patient engagement tools.
Who did you partner with for your project?
We partnered with the Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU) and the BC SUPPORT Unit.
We have a patient advisory council (PAC) with six patient research partners. Our PAC is diverse, consisting of patient research partners of different ages, backgrounds, and health conditions.
How did partners with lived experience contribute during key stages of your research project?
Research stage
Throughout the project
How we partnered
The RePORT project engages a patient advisory council (PAC) to support and drive our patient-oriented research. Our PAC consists of researchers, healthcare providers, and patient research partners (PRPs).
Currently, our PAC has 6 PRPs, 5 of whom have been with the PAC since inception. We have operated in three phases for the project, and the PRPs have provided support and research guidance throughout, through their lived experiences.
- In Phase 1, they helped engage patients in recruitment and data collection, developed the terms of reference for the PAC, and developed methods for studies. PRPs also co-conducted patient interviews.
- In Phase 2, PRPs co-developed three patient engagement tools, a website, video, and infographic, through human-centred design.
- In Phase 3, PRPs helped to implement the patient engagement tools throughout hospitals and have been leading knowledge translation activities, while also still providing guidance on research activities.
Research stage
Knowledge translation
How we partnered
The RePORT patient advisory council (PAC) leads knowledge translation for our patient-oriented research. The PAC has a shared conference file where patient research partners (PRPs) and other PAC members can add conferences we would like to present at. The PRPs co-write or solely write abstract submissions for conferences and if accepted, co-create or solely create our conference presentations. Our PRPs often take the lead in presenting at conferences as well. Our PRPs have also currently co-authored two published manuscripts and are helping co-author a manuscript in development and co-present with the PI at hospital rounds to inform healthcare providers about RePORT and how to engage patients.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to collaborate with partners with lived experience?
When partnering with community and patient partners, go into conversations with an open mindset and create a welcoming and positive environment. Make sure you are giving space for patient partners to truly collaborate with you, not just approve of a plan you have already developed.
Patient partners offer invaluable perspectives and guidance in research but can only do so when given the opportunity. It is important to take time to build relationships with and get to know your patient partners.
How can someone learn more about your project?
Visit the project website: Understanding Hospital Bloodwork.
Acknowledgments and thanks
The project team would like to thank:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- Canadian Institutes for Health Research
- BC SUPPORT Unit
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU)
This project was collected as part of a casebook that demonstrates patient-oriented research in BC.
Explore the casebook