Table 1 Glossary

Patient-oriented research (POR) Health research that “engages patients as partners, focusses on patient-identified priorities and improves patient outcomes” [2] with the goal of advancing healthcare systems and practices [2].

Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) A national program launched in 2011 by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and provincial/territorial partners to support patient-oriented research (POR) in Canada.

Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials (SUPPORT) Units Local clusters of specialized research and knowledge resources that provide the necessary expertise to pursue patient-oriented research (POR) successfully [1].

Patient engagement Active collaboration with patients across all phases of research, including planning, conducting, and disseminating results [2]. A core element of patient engagement is that persons with experience of a health-related issue (e.g. illness, interaction with health care system) contribute in a meaningful way to research on that issue.

Patient

“An overarching term inclusive of individuals with personal experience of a health issue and informal caregivers, including family and friends” [2]