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FTF's Research Advocates enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research in enteral nutrition. They connect individuals with feeding tubes and their caregivers with scientists, industry professionals, and government agencies as principal research partners.
Research Advocates Main Objectives
Research Advocates change research through:
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Prioritizing research
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Improving studies
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Influencing stakeholders
Research becomes more efficient and effective when individuals with feeding tubes and their care partners are central to the research process, working alongside scientists, industry, and government. Our flagship national program for patient engagement in research actualizes this collaboration by uniting those who use feeding tubes with those who develop new treatments. Additionally, research advocates play a crucial role in their communities by increasing awareness and imparting knowledge about the significance of involvement in enteral nutrition research.
How to Become a Research Advocate
To become a research advocate:
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People with feeding tubes and care partners must connect with the patient engagement team to become a Research Advocate. We are looking for people with an interest in research and a willingness to work with researchers on a variety of projects.
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Once selected, Research Advocates undergo trainings, where our patient engagement team provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to pair up with scientists and health professionals. The trainings can be achieved by completing our online course.
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Next, our team will help facilitate partnerships between Research Advocates and professionals at the front lines of research at academic institutions, industry, and government.
Training is merely the starting point. The program collaborates intimately with Foundation staff and peers to pinpoint opportunities for patient engagement, engage in continuous education, exchange resources, and network within the research community.
These trainings are advised for individuals who are able to dedicate a minimum of three hours monthly to research advocacy efforts.