For Can-SOLVE CKD, this means active collaboration between patient partners, researchers, and policy-makers in all network projects and activities. We strive to create a culture change in kidney research based on the guiding principles of the SPOR Patient Engagement Framework: inclusiveness, support, mutual respect, and co-building.

Meaningful relationships between patient partners and researchers have led to presentations at professional meetings, co-authorship of publications, and inclusion in planning committees for local and international meetings. Patients’ participation in peer-review and evaluation has enhanced project relevance, and their ongoing input will support the implementation and sustainability of research activities. This strong foundation, built over the last five years, is the springboard for an ongoing transformation of kidney research to optimize patient care and improve outcomes.

Our research teams have produced impressive outputs during the network’s first phase. These include several initiatives that have rolled out on a provincial scale (e.g., improving living kidney donation; new self-management tools; use of patient-reported outcome measures) in addition to a significant record of peer-reviewed articles and presentations at local, national, and international meetings.

Patients have been central to these accomplishments. One of our greatest impacts has been to create a system by which research is conceived and implemented with the full participation of all. Together, our research projects will close existing gaps in kidney disease knowledge and care to deliver better health.

We have undertaken the development of several new resources designed to bridge gaps in Canadian nephrology research and facilitate greater involvement of patient partners in the research enterprise. These tools will increase participation in research, enable robust clinical trials, and increase the skills and knowledge of all who take part in patient-oriented research.

While our research projects and infrastructure programs continued to advance patient-oriented kidney research, detailed plans for the network’s second phase were developed. In August, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced a brand new funding opportunity for SPOR Chronic Disease Networks, including Can-SOLVE CKD. This second phase will focus on knowledge mobilization and implementation science, presenting a unique opportunity to translate research outputs into policy and practice that will benefit all Canadians living with or affected by kidney disease.

In responding to the CIHR opportunity, we worked with our Sustainability Planning Committee, consisting of 13 patient partners in addition to academic researchers, clinician scientists, nephrologists, Indigenous Elders, policy-makers, and network staff. This strong base of knowledge and experience informed the creation of a vision for Phase 2 activities and a detailed grant application. 

Building on the learnings of our first five years, Phase 2 will focus on:

• Conducting implementation science projects to mobilize, sustain, and scale up interventions
• Advancing Indigenous cultural competency
• Diversifying the kidney research environment to address EDI principles
• Supporting capacity building and partnerships for sustainable patient-oriented research