PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
STREAM 4-PARTNERS
For Community Partners
CANTRAIN is a unique national educational initiative aimed at developing clinical trial competency in people designing, leading, working or participating in clinical trial research in both academic and private sector settings. Our clinical research competencies are inspired by those of the Multiregional Clinical Trials Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competency framework. Professional competence is a unique combination of knowledge, skill and attitude and is demonstrated by the ability to perform a complex task with fidelity in a wide variety of contexts. In the CANTRAIN model, e-learning modules – providing topical content – are enhanced by integrated engagement or experiential activities and access to expert mentorship. The combination of information, engagement and personal guidance is the best way to develop professional competence in learners. CANTRAIN modules are tailored, sequenced, and assembled into programs that build professional competence in learners with different profiles (students, clinical research professionals and trialists) and levels of experience. By doing this, the learners are best able to contribute to clinical trials’ innovation, advancement and growth benefiting the health care system, with an inclusive engagement of the community at-large.Postgraduate Master’s Students
Doctoral Students
Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Researchers
in health sciencesRegistered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Research Assistant
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Manager
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (QARA)
Medical/Health Sciences’ GraduatesResidents/Fellows
Clinicians
Family Physicians
Specialists
ScientistsGeneral Public
Patients
Public/Private Organizations
Health Charities
Families
Policy-Makers
Journalists
Social Media Influencers/Reporters
Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Immigrants, Refugees, minoritized, underserved and underrepresented groups
PATIENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Overview
Stream 4 is a comprehensive clinical trials educational initiative developed collaboratively with patient partners for patients, their families, and the public. Stream 4 values the essential contributions of lived experience. Stream 4 courses addresses significant gaps in current training programs by offering information, resources, and skill development content tailored to the diverse needs of patients, families, and the community. Whether individuals wish to familiarize themselves with clinical trials for personal enrichment or aspire to take on roles in designing or leading trials, Stream 4 provides opportunities that emphasize self-fulfillment and personal growth rather than external quality metrics. Our guiding principle is to ensure that research teams engage meaningfully with individuals who have lived experience, thereby shaping research design to genuinely reflect the community’s insights and values
Stream Goals:
- Promote personal enrichment and a deeper understanding of clinical trials among patients, families, and the community.
- Foster meaningful engagement and collaboration between research teams and individuals with lived experience.
- Cultivate a robust foundation of knowledge and skills that enables participants to achieve their personal goals and aspirations within the context of clinical trials.
1. Patients as Participants in Clinical Trials
Description:
In this course, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of clinical trials, including what they are and their critical role in advancing medical research. You will learn how to locate and identify ongoing clinical trials that are actively recruiting participants, which may be of interest to you or members of your community. Additionally, the course will guide you through important considerations when deciding whether participating in a clinical trial is the right choice for you or someone you know. Key topics will include understanding the potential risks and benefits, assessing eligibility criteria, and evaluating the ethical aspects of clinical trials.
2. Patients as Partners in Clinical Trials
Description:
This course emphasizes collaboration and partnership, offering essential knowledge and resources to support patients, families, and community members who wish to actively engage with researchers and healthcare providers in clinical trials. The course covers how to recognize and address tokenism, provides an overview of tools and strategies to incorporate patient and community perspectives into clinical trials, and includes guidance on identifying and pursuing partnership opportunities. By focusing on these areas, the course aims to strengthen effective collaboration and ensure meaningful contributions from all stakeholders involved in the research process.
3. Patient Advocacy in Clinical Trials
Description:
This course equips participants with the skills needed to advocate for patient-centered approaches in clinical trials. The patient advocacy modules offer tailored learning opportunities designed to empower patients and community members in developing and refining their abilities to effectively support both patient needs and the advancement of clinical research. These modules focus on enhancing participants’ skills to navigate healthcare systems, communicate effectively with stakeholders, promote patient-centered policies, and raise awareness about the significance of clinical research. By providing these skills, the course fosters a proactive approach to championing patient interests in clinical trials, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and increase patient engagement.
4. Patient Leadership in Clinical Trials
Description:
This course is designed for individuals interested in taking a leading role in research and clinical trials. It provides guidance for patients, caregivers, and community members on how to become co-researchers or lead their own research projects. The patient peer researcher modules offer structured learning opportunities aimed at empowering participants to develop and refine leadership skills essential for initiating, managing, and conducting research. Key topics include finding funding, writing grants, and understanding dissemination and authorship. Additionally, the course covers the responsibilities of a Principal Investigator (PI) and links to modules on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and administrative or legal aspects of research. By focusing on these areas, the course aims to equip individuals with a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks necessary for leading rigorous and impactful investigations.
How to Get Involved
To start your journey with Stream 4, simply register on the CANTRAIN learning platform. During registration, you’ll share details about your experience, interests, and preferred learning pathway. All courses and resources are offered at no cost, making them accessible to everyone. For more information and to sign up, visit the CANTRAIN Clinical Trial Training Programs page.
