The patient partners are connected to an Oncode Investigator and can immerse themselves in the daily practice of their research group several times a year.  What exactly does the researchers' work entail and how does it contribute to cracking the code of cancer? In addition, this 1-on-1 contact offers researchers a different perspective on their work, a new source of inspiration, and support. While the patient zooms in on his or her illness, the researcher zooms out to the patient's world.

Recently, Oncode Institute organized a kick-off meeting to allow a new group of Oncode researchers and patient partners to start within the Patient Perspective Program. The purpose of the kick-off was to form new researcher-patient couples and start a long-term collaboration. The researchers shared the focus of their research with the patient partners via flash presentations. It was impressive to see their ability to present years of work in just 5 minutes during easy to understand talks. This was followed by speed dates, where researchers and patient partners met and discovered who they had a good connection with. Everyone took plenty of time to get to know each other.

The patient partners will add value to the researchers' work in several ways. For example, they can think about research projects from a patient perspective, or provide a letter of support as a patient advocate when a new research proposal needs to be submitted. Many patient partners that start with the program are experienced patient representatives. They have extensive experience in assessing research proposals from a patient perspective for KWF or through their own patient association.

We look forward to sharing the results of this new collaboration!

If you have any questions, please contact Colette ten Hove.