Table 2 Recommended strategies for partnerships in research
Key recommendations | Suggested strategies | Additional information (examples, resources, and consideration) |
|---|---|---|
1. Charting the course: Agree upfront on the plan and goals for engagement to guide your work together | Initiate honest conversations upfront to understand preferences for how partners would like to be involved, and how researchers can make partners feel welcome to collaborate throughout the research process Be opened to exploring different roles that adolescents, young adults, and parent partners might prefer, including as co-leads on activities with researchers | Example: Ask partners about preferred communication methods |
2. Learning the ropes: Develop capacity for patient-oriented research in adolescents and young adults, parent partners, researchers, and project staff | Allocate resources for comprehensive patient-oriented research training for all members of a research team early in the partnership | Resource: Provide a list of reputable training programs in POR |
3. All hands on deck: Build a community of engagement where adolescents and young adults and parent partners feel welcome and supported | Facilitate accessible participation for adolescents, young adults, and parent partners across all stages of the research process Foster ongoing discussions about motivations, goals, skills, and interests with adolescents, young adults, and parent partners Organize activities promoting team bonding on a personal level, such as sharing sessions during meetings, personalized onboarding, and regular check-ins | Consideration: Discuss accessibility measures for virtual participation |
4. Making course corrections and being prepared to weather the storms: Remain open to critical reflection, re-evaluation, and adjustment as necessary | Cultivate a willingness to listen, communicate, and make adjustments based on critical reflections and feedback Designate project staff to coordinate, organize, and facilitate partnerships effectively, Incorporate ongoing reflection and evaluation into the partnership process for continuous improvement and adaptation | Consideration: Establish regular channels for communication and feedback |