SFU project looks to patients to help shape future primary care research in BC

By Ruth Lavergne

Simon Fraser University (SFU) researchers are working with a group of 10 patients from across British Columbia to help shape future primary health care research in the province. The team, part of the B.C. Primary Health Care Research Network, has worked together to develop a survey about what research topics are important to people in B.C. As Patient Advisory member Chad Dickie said, “…patients’ voices need to be part of the research conversation to improve healthcare delivery and sustainability."

The goal of the PREFeR (PRioritiEs For Research) Project is to identify patient priorities for primary care research in B.C., and compare patient and care provider perspectives. The project focuses on primary care because this is where most people go first for medical help and advice when they have a health issue, and strong primary care is critical to our system as a whole.

“This is a great project to be a part of because it’s something that everyone can relate to,” says Louisa Edwards, Research Fellow at SFU, who co-leads the project with Ruth Lavergne, SFU Assistant Professor. “Everyone is a patient at some point in their lives and everyone has a health story. It doesn’t seem to matter who we talk to about this project, there is interest, enthusiasm and an eagerness to share.”

Are these topics important to you? Complete the 5-10 minute survey!

The PREFeR (PRioritiEs For Research) Project invites anyone living in the province and all B.C. primary care providers to rate the top 10 primary care topics identified. The more patients and providers who express their views, the better understanding we will have of the priorities for different people in different parts of the province. The online survey takes 5-10 minutes, with no personal details collected or shared.

For more information or to complete the survey by phone, please email Louisa Edwards (Research Fellow, Simon Fraser University & Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation) or call (604) 875-4111 (extension 67241).