Assessment for Patient Research Partners: Navigating Your WAG: Wellness, Aspirations, and Growth
If you're considering or have already jumped into the role of a patient research partner, first of all—welcome! We're thrilled to have you interested in this incredible journey. Now, let's get real: while we're stoked to have you contributing to meaningful research, we also know you're not just here for the good of research (of course, we know that’s a major driver, but we have to break down the taboos of talking about reciprocity and mutuality). You've got your own life, your own growth, and hey, let's not forget about wellness! This ‘assessment’ (more like a buzzfeed quiz!) aims to give you the space to think about what YOU want and need out of this experience. (Yeah, it’s okay—and we encourage you to ask, the WIIFM questions…What’s In It For Me!)
Section 1: What Fuels Your Spirit?
🌟 Fulfillment
What's It About?: Fulfillment is that buzzing sensation you get when you're making a real impact, picking up new skills, or just clicking with your team.
Questions to Get You Thinking:
What kinds of tasks make you feel proud of yourself?
Is there a cause or mission that gets your heart racing?
What types of work make time just fly by?
Note: No obligation to answer all or any of these questions—just ponder!
🌈 Self-Actualization
What's It About?: Think of self-actualization as reaching your full potential—like the best, most kickbutt version of you.
Questions to Get You Thinking:
In what ways can you see yourself making waves in this research?
Got any hidden talents or interests that could really shine here?
What does it look like when you feel like you're "nailing it"?
Note: Again, just think on these. No rush, no pressure.
Section 2: Growth and Wellness First
🌱 Flourishing
What's It About?: Flourishing is about thriving—emotionally, mentally, socially. It's way more than just "getting by."
Questions to Get You Thinking:
What kind of support would help you feel not just okay, but actually great?
How do you envision team interaction adding to your well-being?
What personal milestones would show you that you're more than just surviving?
🍃 Wellness and Rest
What's It About?: We can't talk about growth without mentioning wellness. Your lived and living experiences, especially your health, are paramount.
Questions to Get You Thinking:
What boundaries do you need to set to maintain your well-being?
How do you want to integrate periods of rest into your involvement?
Are there specific triggers or stressors that the team should know about to support you better?
Section 3: How to Make It All Happen
✊ Empowerment
What's It About?: This is about giving you the tools and the agency to do stuff that matters, both to the research and to you.
Questions to Get You Thinking:
How would you like your voice to be heard in the research decisions?
What can we do to make you feel like a valued part of the team?
Are there leadership roles or tasks that would make you feel even more empowered?
🛤️ Progression
What's It About?: Progression is about your forward momentum (even if you’re crawling, that’s still forward!)—new skills, more responsibilities, and heck, yes, getting some well-deserved recognition!
Questions to Get You Thinking:
What new skills do you hope to take away from this?
Are there specific milestones you're looking to achieve?
How do you feel about getting public credit, like through publications or presentations?
Wrap-Up: Next Steps and Real Talk
This was not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, to get you thinking about what you can contribute and would like to contribute and what you would like to take away from your involvement as well. Of course, you want the health system to change but that does take some time, so we want the journey to be as meaningful as the destination. So, once you’re done reflecting, the next step is to have a chat—maybe with us, the research team, or perhaps a mentor or advisor or friend. Our aim is to align your personal and wellness goals snugly within this research endeavour. So, let’s make this fulfilling, enlightening, and—above all—health-conscious for everyone involved, especially you! Important reminder, feel free to check in with your assessment throughout the journey to see if things have changed in your WAG!
