Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39929597›Full record

ArticleRMD open2025

How to build a framework to establish a patient research partner network in rheumatology research: a report of a 2-year implementation project.

Kristina Buerki, Melpomeni Toitou, Maarten de Wit, Stacey Grealis, Silke Ludwig, Chantal Britt, Florian Klett, Isabelle Steeb, Tanja Maletic, Andreas Eisenring and 12 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in RMD open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

22 authors.

Kristina BuerkiDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0009-0009-1686-3875
Melpomeni ToitouDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Maarten de WitPatient research partner, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0002-8428-6354
Stacey GrealisPatient Research Partner, Centre of Arthritis Research, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
Silke LudwigClinical Trial Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Chantal BrittPatient Research Partner, Bern, Switzerland.
Florian KlettPatient Research Partner, Zurich, Switzerland.
Isabelle SteebRheumaliga, Patient Organisation, Patient Research Partner, Zurich, Switzerland.
Tanja MaleticSCQM, Swiss Clinical Quality Management, Patient Research Partner, Zurich, Switzerland.
Andreas EisenringPatient Research Partner, Zurich, Switzerland.
Penelope Jane Timpert-ArgustPatient Research Partner, Aargau, Switzerland.
Dania DiemPatient Research Partner, Zurich, Switzerland.
Raphael MicheroliDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0002-8918-7304
Stefan DudliDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0001-7351-713X
Cosimo BruniDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Eva Camarillo-RetamosaDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Rucsandra DobrotaDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0001-9819-7574
Anna-Maria Hoffmann-VoldDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0001-6467-7422
Adrian CiureaDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0002-7870-7132
Caroline OspeltDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0002-9151-4650
Oliver DistlerDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0002-0546-8310
Muriel ElhaiDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland muriel.elhai@usz.ch.ORCID 0000-0001-8627-5758

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPatient research partners (PRPs) are people living with a relevant disease who actively contribute to research. Their contribution is beneficial for any research project. Although the inclusion of PRPs in rheumatology research is increasingly recommended, its practical implementation, particularly in translational research, remains limited . Enhancing PRP engagement requires a clear understanding of the necessary steps.

objectiveThis study aims to show steps to achieve successful collaboration between PRPs and researchers in clinical and transitional research in rheumatology.

methodsWe established a PRP network by following five main steps: setting up infrastructure, recruitment, training, PRP involvement at an early stage, and ongoing support. We adhered to overall principles of openness, feedback, and regular evaluations to create a respectful and collaborative environment. The initiative was qualitatively assessed via an online questionnaire developed by each six researchers and PRPs.

resultsCommunicating our initiative at laboratory open days and to patient associations has enabled to create a network of 66 PRPs. A match-making tool was introduced to allocate interested PRPs with a project request. This led to PRP involvement in 15 projects, including 9 in translational research. Two PRP-coordinators provided support including glossaries and educational courses .

conclusionOur initiative outlines five essential steps for establishing PRP collaboration in rheumatology research, including translational research. This approach benefited both PRPs and researchers and might serve as a guide for other centres.

Indexed as

Biomedical ResearchPatient ParticipationRheumatologyCooperative BehaviorHumansResearch PersonnelSurveys and QuestionnairesTranslational Research, BiomedicalPatient Care TeamPatient Reported Outcome MeasuresQualitative research

Identifiers

PMID39929597
PMCPMC11815435

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.