Consumers do not need to have any qualifications, skills or pre-existing knowledge to be a consumer in research.
There are many types of research and topics. There will likely be something you are interested in. Some projects may be more relevant to different consumers and their interest and experience. Existing skills from previous work, current work, and life experience will help consumers prepare.
Skills that will be helpful:
- Experience either as a patient and/or caregiver is valuable to the research team.
- Willingness to share, reflect, and communicate their thoughts to the team.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Time and commitment to attend meetings and read documents.
- Consumers will have other skills they will bring to the project, not just their experience with kidney disease.
- Patients are the experts of their own experience. Different experiences, such as from men and women, different ages and cultural backgrounds, bring new view to the team.