The inclusion of patients as partners in research is a key link in the delivery of patient-centred care in healthcare systems. Despite genuine intentions to engage patients in authentic partnerships, efforts can result in tokenism and benefits of engagement are missed. Understanding how patient engagement provides value along the research to patient-care continuum and how to best engage patients as partners are key. This document describes the method taken by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) to implement meaningful patient centricity and engagement and the benefits realized. Originally, Patient Representatives were recruited and assigned to CCTG Committees. Lacking guidance, the role was one of a passive meeting attendee. A gap analysis identified a need for clarity in expectations, understanding of the linkage to CCTG strategic objectives, and supporting tools and training. A plan was developed and successfully implemented in three phases, each phase building on the previous, the level of patient engagement simultaneously changing from "Inform" to "Involve" to "Collaborate" on the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) scale. Results include significant contributions to increased patient accrual in CCTG trials, to increased CCTG grant funding, as well as recognition and adoption of these practices within Canada and internationally.
Keywords: cancer; clinical trials; patient and public engagement; patient representatives; patient-centred research; stakeholder engagement.