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Patient Engagement Studio

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Project Overview

Welcome to the PRIDE-CARES Center page, where we showcase our ongoing research and initiatives aimed at improving Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment for Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) communities. Here, you’ll find detailed descriptions of our active projects, including innovative research on patient experiences, the work of our Virtual Patient (ViP) Engagement Panel, and groundbreaking pilot studies designed to enhance access to affirming care for SGM individuals. Explore how we’re partnering with patients, families, and healthcare providers to drive meaningful, patient-centered change in SUD treatment.

Aim 1 - Engagement Panel

We will create a group of diverse people from across the country, called the Virtual Patient (ViP) Engagement Panel. This group, made up of patients and families affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD), will help us design and improve research to better meet the needs and preferences of LGBTQ+ patients

ViP Engagement Panel Recruitment 

We are looking for 20 individuals to serve as Patient Experts to guide the direction of this important work. Please note, you are not being recruited as a research participant. You will be consultants, compensated for your time and for your experience related to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). 

All are welcome to apply, but please note that we will be choosing individuals with experience most closely aligned with our project's aims. Click the link below to apply! 

Apply Today

You may be a good fit if you have experience with any of the following: 
  • You misuse substances (Drugs or Alcohol), and  you are not  seeking recovery or treatment.
  • You misuse substances (Drugs or Alcohol), and you are starting recovery or treatment.
  • You do not currently misuse substances (Drugs or Alcohol) but you have in the past and you are in recovery or treatment.
  • You are a caregiver (parent, partner, friend) of someone who has misused substances in the past, or currently misuses substances. 
  • You are a healthcare provider who works with  patients who misuse substances or recovery specialist. 

* We define "misuse" as difficulty controlling the use of drugs or alcohol. This includes problems in your life related to the use of alcohol or drugs. 

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for this work? 

Here are some suggestions about how to spread the word!

Email 

Sending personalized invitations can be a great way to recruit Patient Experts. Personal invitations signal to the recipient that you think they would be a good fit, and make it more likley that they take the time to learn more and apply. Help us find high quality applicants. Who already in your network needs to know about this opportunity?

Recruitment Flyer

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Social Media

Social media is a great way to spread the word to people who may be in your immediate network.  You are encouraged to post these to your personal or organizational social media accounts. The resources provided are ready to share to Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

You can also help by following the Patient Engagement Studio on Facebook and LinkedIn and sharing our posts. 

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Aim 2 - Research on Patient Experiences

With the help of the ViP Panel, we will study and compare the experiences of LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+  individuals in SUD treatment. Our goal is to learn about the different preferences these groups have when it comes to treatment options.

Aim 3 - Pilot Research Projects

We will encourage new and creative ideas to improve SUD treatment by funding four small research projects. These projects will focus on finding better ways to provide care that meets the needs of LGBTQ+ patients.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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