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Table 3 ECRs’ potential roles in POR development and implementation

From: Early career researchers’ perspectives and roles in patient-oriented research

Role

Action mechanisms (impact)

Knower

Being informed and knowledgeable about POR. Participating in meetings to provide informed opinions and present constructive criticisms.

Awareness-raising vector / champion

Informing and sensitizing other students, colleagues, research supervisors, and established or future researchers about the existence and potential benefits of POR while maintaining a critical perspective on this approach.

Ethically sensitive thinker

Reflecting on POR through an ethical lens, e.g. proposing action to understand how to conduct POR responsibly and sensitizing the research community regarding the responsibilities inherent in this approach.

Disseminator / broker

Disseminating reflections, definitions of engagement, practical experiences, and knowledge on POR-related issues to scientific and non-scientific audiences through publications and communications.

Motivator

Encouraging the research community, peers, and colleagues to engage in POR

Builder / creator

Forming a community of practice to create spaces for reflecting on POR; building a network to guide new research and to train and support those interested in POR.

Teacher

Training and teaching students about POR.

Doer

Engaging patients in research, collaborating in POR projects.

Delegate / representative

Serving as a representative voice on committees (e.g. SPOR SUPPORT units, funding organizations, research committees). Participating in decision-making regarding the general directions of research (e.g. how to make research findings applicable and useful for patients).

Activist

Defending POR tenets and being involved in networks promoting POR.