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.

In partnership with our previous Patient Partner Advisory Group, BRIC NS developed the Patient Partner Orientation Guide Series for patients and caregivers who are interested in becoming involved in healthcare research.

• Guide 1: A Quick Guide
• Guide 2: How to Get Involved in Health Research – What is it all about?
• Guide 3: Jargon Buster

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.