Over 4 million Canadians suffer from arthritis, but only a tiny percentage of them are involved in influencing arthritis research in Canada. The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) of the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) hopes to change that by launching a Highly Qualified Consumer (HQC) Database that will store information about Canadians willing to volunteer as consultants or collaborators to arthritis researchers.
“As a person with arthritis, I want to have a say in how arthritis research is conducted, but I can’t be a collaborator on every project taking place in the country,” says John Coderre, a member of CAN’s Consumer Advisory Council and HQC Database project leader. “If this succeeds, it will be a model for other countries to follow.”
The HQC Database is a natural extension of the work the CAC does. These 10 volunteers, along with three allied members, serve as volunteers on research projects and help guide the direction of research within CAN. The HQC Database will allow other people living with arthritis to share this important role.
“The economic burden of arthritis was estimated to be $6.4 billion in 2000 and arthritis research receives far less funding than other chronic diseases,” explains Dr. Claire Bombardier, Co-Scientific Director of the Canadian Arthritis Network. “Creating a resource for investigators to help them conduct research that is relevant and meets unmet needs will help ensure that grant money is well spent.”
Source: CANADIAN ARTHRITIS NETWORK