A Word from One of Our Patient Reviewers

As we’ve often mentioned, PCORI invites patients, caregivers, and members of the advocacy groups that represent them to be part of the multi-stakeholder merit review panels that evaluate research funding proposals we receive. This is just one of the ways in which we put into practice our commitment to ensuring that the studies we fund are designed to answer questions that matter to patients, and help them and those who care for them make better-informed healthcare decisions.

We’re also committed to learning from our reviewers, as from our other stakeholders, about how we can do a better job. So, we welcome their feedback, which comes in many forms. We regularly survey reviewers about their experience as part of our effort to track ongoing improvements in our processes. And we’re also happy to see a broader public discussion of what we do through social media.

It’s especially nice when one of our patient reviewers comes away with a positive experience and is motivated to tell her community about it. I’m pleased that one such reviewer, Dee, a cancer survivor from New Jersey, has posted this piece about her experience during our most recent round of merit reviews.

Of course, the conversation isn’t always about what a great job we do; more than a few blog posts and Twitter exchanges have been critical of our work. But we welcome a vigorous and honest debate about the challenges of undertaking patient-centered outcomes research in the best way possible. And we’ve learned a lot from some of the more provocative feedback.

Our reviewers volunteer their time and expertise to help us in what is a critical, complex task. It’s no small commitment, and we very much value the perspectives and passion they bring to the table. When they find the experience a positive one and want to tell others about it, as Dee did, that’s even better.

Thanks to all of the patients, caregivers and other members of the healthcare community who work with us to support “research done differently.”

Schrandt is PCORI’s Deputy Director for Patient Engagement
Broitman is a Senior Merit Review Officer
Tafari is a Senior Program Officer for Merit Review, in PCORI’s Research Integration and Evaluation program