Table 1 Challenges and opportunities for establishing relationships between advocates and researchers.

It is not always clear why patient advocates should be included in research

Encourage granting agencies to require including patient advocates in grant applications and provide a statement about the value of these partnerships such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), the DOD, and Susan G. Komen

Perform a quantitative research project to demonstrate the value of patient advocates and researchers working together

Researchers are worried about saying the wrong thing

Support spaces where open communication is encouraged

Create training programs for research scientists to learn how to work with patient advocates and communicate effectively

Researchers do not know how to begin working with patient advocates

Connect with patient advocates through Twitter, consider following social media chats such as #BCSM, #LCSM, and others; Attend conferences that patient advocates attend and engage through programs like GRASP

Develop a platform that would connect researchers and patient advocates nationwide

Researchers do not know how to include patient advocates in research

- Review existing programs from peer institutions that support patient advocate inclusion in research to determine the potential value at your institution; Consider activities that support longstanding relationships within the time commitment both parties are available such as journal clubs, practicing elevator pitches, writing lay abstracts, and inviting patient advocates to laboratory meetings

Request that groups who require patient advocate involvement provide compensation rubrics; Ask that NCI update grant and comprehensive cancer center designation rubrics to incorporate working with patient advocates