From 2023 to 2026, Dr. Michaël Verret, an anesthesiologist at the Québec-Université Laval University Hospital, an assistant professor of medicine, and a FRQ-SSA Québec Support Unit fellow, published several articles on patient partnership in the context of perioperative medicine.
The team included researchers, clinicians, methodologists, and patient partners who had personal experience with surgery requiring general anesthesia.
Patients were considered full members of the research team. This collaboration was based on a co-creation approach aimed at incorporating patients’ perspectives, priorities, and experiences into the various stages of the research program.
Verret M, Fergusson DA, Nicholls SG, et al. Engaging patients in anesthesiology research: a rewarding frontier. Can J Anaesth. May 2023;70(5):817-823. doi:10.1007/s12630-023-02432-3
Verret M, Lam NH, Lalu M, et al. Intraoperative pharmacologic opioid minimisation strategies and patient-centred outcomes after surgery: a scoping review. Br J Anaesth. Apr 2024;132(4):758-770. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2024.01.006
Verret M, Le JBP, Lalu MM, et al. Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine on patient-centred outcomes in surgical patients: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis. Br J Anaesth. Sep 2024;133(3):615-627. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2024.06.007
Kahloon U, Le JBP, Tierney S, et al. The effectiveness of selective COX-2 inhibitors for postoperative pain management using multidimensional pain assessment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Anesthesiology. 2026/06/30 2026;doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000006216
Background
The involvement of people with lived experience as partners on research teams remains rare, despite the demonstrated benefits—particularly in improving the relevance of research questions, guiding strategic priorities, optimizing approaches to participant recruitment and retention, and enhancing the impact and relevance of the results. Nevertheless, this is a priority for the Canadian community, health care professionals, and policymakers who wish to generate actionable data leading to tangible benefits for patients.
Method
As part of the development of a research program focusing on co-analgesic strategies used in perioperative medicine and on patients’ recovery after surgery, the team enlisted four patient partners who had personal experience with surgery performed under general anesthesia.
Drawing on the conceptual framework of CIHR’s Patient-Centered Research Strategy (PCRS), these patients were meaningfully involved from the earliest stages of the research program. Guided by the principles of inclusivity, respect, support, and co-creation, the team developed an implementation strategy tailored to Canada’s research ecosystem. The approach included identifying stakeholders while promoting inclusion and diversity, using a framework co-developed with patient partners, planning tailored and flexible meetings, evaluating the partnership process, and offering individualized compensation.
Results
- Patient partners participated as full members of the team, particularly in defining priorities, prioritizing clinical outcomes, interpreting results, disseminating findings, and planning the program.
- To assess the potential benefits of co-analgesic strategies, validated, patient-centered clinical outcomes were reviewed and prioritized, taking into account the perspectives of key stakeholders (researchers, clinicians, decision-makers, and patient partners).
- In collaboration with patient partners, a scoping review and systematic reviews identified promising interventions aimed at improving patient-centered clinical outcomes, such as functional recovery after surgery.
Conclusion
Patient engagement is an important aspect of patient-centered research in perioperative medicine. A structured approach can facilitate meaningful collaboration between researchers and patient partners. This collaboration is also fostered when patient partnership is a priority for the organization or institution to which the research team belongs, so that the existing infrastructure and resources serve as facilitators for its integration.