Patient involvement in research projects

Research partners can be equal members of the project team and serve not only as data suppliers. They are trained by us in research methodology, accompanied and, depending on the project and tasks, also financially compensated. Research partners can also take on the role of experts: They can inform other patients much better about the respective research project, methods and their disease.

Who is eligible as research partner?

• Patients with the following rheumatological diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, osteochondrosis intervertebralis modic type
• Caregivers of patients, for example family members
• Representatives of patient organizations of above mentioned diseases

What interests and knowledge characterize research partners?

• They are interested in research
• Ideally, they have knowledge of English
• They are digitally adept

What tasks do they perform?

They can be involved from the beginning of a study, the planning phase, all the way through to the final phase.

Further information about the research partner tasks can be found on the website for Patient and Public Involvement

What is the time commitment?

• Training on research methodology (online or in person).
• At least once per year: meeting of all research partners (virtual or in person)
• At least once a year: participation in the open day for patients
• Individual exchange, depending on the research project and tasks