How can you prioritize patient advocacy research in different health settings?

1 Assess the context

The first step to prioritize patient advocacy research is to assess the context of the health setting where you want to conduct or apply your research. Context refers to the factors that influence the delivery and reception of health care, such as the organizational culture, policies, resources, workflows, relationships, and patient characteristics. By understanding the context, you can identify the gaps, challenges, opportunities, and stakeholders that are relevant to your research topic. You can also tailor your research questions and methods to the specific needs and goals of the health setting.

2 Align with patient priorities

The second step to prioritize patient advocacy research is to align your research with the priorities of the patients and their families in the health setting. Patient priorities are the issues that matter most to them in terms of their health, well-being, and quality of life. They may include aspects such as symptom management, communication, decision making, access, coordination, or satisfaction. By aligning your research with patient priorities, you can ensure that your research is patient-centered, meaningful, and impactful. You can also engage patients and their families as partners in your research process, from planning to dissemination.

3 Evaluate the feasibility

The third step to prioritize patient advocacy research is to evaluate the feasibility of your research in the health setting. Feasibility refers to the practicality and suitability of your research, considering the available time, resources, skills, and support. By evaluating the feasibility, you can determine the scope, design, and methods of your research, as well as the potential challenges and risks. You can also plan ahead for the ethical, legal, and logistical aspects of your research, such as obtaining consent, protecting privacy, and collecting data.

4 Review the evidence

The fourth step to prioritize patient advocacy research is to review the existing evidence on your research topic in the health setting. Evidence refers to the scientific knowledge and best practices that inform and guide your research. By reviewing the evidence, you can establish the rationale, significance, and contribution of your research. You can also identify the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the current evidence, as well as the opportunities for innovation and improvement. You can use various sources of evidence, such as literature reviews, guidelines, reports, or expert opinions.

5 Compare the options

The fifth step to prioritize patient advocacy research is to compare the different options for your research topic and method in the health setting. Options refer to the alternative ways of addressing your research question or problem, such as different interventions, outcomes, or approaches. By comparing the options, you can weigh the pros and cons of each option, based on the criteria of context, patient priorities, feasibility, and evidence. You can also rank the options according to their relevance, importance, and urgency for your research goal.

6 Make a decision

The sixth and final step to prioritize patient advocacy research is to make a decision on your research topic and method in the health setting. Decision refers to the choice that you make based on your comparison and evaluation of the options. By making a decision, you can finalize your research plan and move forward with your research implementation and evaluation. You can also communicate your decision to your research team, stakeholders, and patients, and explain the rationale and implications of your decision.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?