At BRIC NS, we believe that primary care is strongest when it is shaped by the people it is meant to serve. As part of the Strategy for Patient‑Oriented Research, we are committed to working alongside patients and community members to make sure primary care research reflects real‑world experiences, priorities, and needs.

BRIC NS uses the term ‘patient’ or ‘patient partner’ to refer to a person with lived experience of the healthcare system, either directly as a patient or indirectly as a caregiver or supporter. This definition also includes people with lived experience of barriers to health care or care avoidance, which may result from past trauma, discrimination, lack of access, and/or cultural mismatches.

Patient partners actively participate as a member of a health research team. BRIC NS has co-developed a series of Patient Partner Orientation Guides for patients and caregivers who are interested in becoming involved in healthcare research.

We encourage patients to join BRIC NS by completing our membership form. As a member of BRIC NS, you will receive the latest news and updates on our events, webinars, and opportunities for patient engagement. 

Patient Advisory Council (PAC)

In November 2025, BRIC NS established the Patient Advisory Council (PAC) to create a welcoming space for patient partners to help shape primary care research

The PAC brings together 10+ patient partners from across Nova Scotia. Members share their thoughts, experiences, and feedback to help ensure that primary care research is planned with patients’ needs at the centre. The goal is to make research more relevant, meaningful, and impactful—ultimately improving health outcomes.

PAC meetings are held virtually every 1-2 months, with email updates in between. Prior to each PAC meeting we circulate materials so that members can opt in or out based on their interest in the specific topics of discussion. During meetings, the PAC focuses on offering advice and feedback on research ideas and directions. For patient partners who are interested in deeper involvement, there may also be opportunities to participate more actively in specific research projects.

There is no expectation that members have research experience—your lived experience is what matters most.

Interested in Joining?

If you would like to:

• Learn more about the PAC and how you can be involved as a patient partner
• Share an opportunity or idea for patient engagement in research

Please contact us at bricns@dal.ca
We would love to hear from you.