Patient engagement plays a crucial role in improving cancer care and research. The Patient and Family Engagement program brings together patients and caregivers to share their experiences and provide insights on how to enhance patient care.
Some patient advocates, like those in the expanded program, get involved after having a positive experience with diagnosis and treatment. Others, however, become advocates due to negative experiences.
Brandelyn Bergstedt, director of Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Patient Experience Program, turned to patient advocacy after a personal experience with misdiagnosis during pregnancy.
The program now matches patient advocates with researchers to design more effective and patient-friendly clinical trials and studies.
Авторское резюме: Lived experience improves cancer care.