Patient trialists
“Nothing about me without me”
The patient’s voice at the research table is critically important. As major research partners, patients are essential CVCT Faculty members and CVCT Think-Tank stakeholders. Patient-trialists can speak authoritatively about what patients want and what patients are willing or not willing to do. It is an expertise separate from the researchers’ scientific expertise; however, it is as important to produce clinically meaningful evidence and improved patient outcomes. Patient-trialists understand what patients need in order to be more receptive to and interested in participating in clinical trials. CVCT has led the research community since 2018 by engaging patient-trialists, opening the doors of trial development and understanding to the patient community, which enhances the well-being of us all.
Patient-centricity and inclusion at The CVCT Forum
PATIENTS
The CVCT Forum endeavors to put the patient at the center of science throughout the research lifecycle, from the early stages of planning to the end.
​For 2025, CVCT patient engagement has reached new heights. A formal CVCT Patient Advisory Board, comprised of experienced patient trialists, was launched to facilitate:
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1. CVCT Forum Planning
A member of the CVCT PAB will serve as a member of the CVCT Forum Planning Committee to ensure the patient voice is well represented throughout the Forum.
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2. Onboarding & Training for Less Experienced Patient Trialists
CVCT PAB will create an online training and mentoring program to equip less experienced patients with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the CVCT Forum.
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3. CVCT Plenary Session – Patients as Partners Throughout the Research Lifecycle
CVCT PAB will co-create, with researchers, a session that informs how patient partners should be engaged throughout the research lifecycle, from steering committee creation to post-market analysis.
The CVCT Forum chairs certify that the 2025 CVCT conference meets the five Patients Included Conference Charter Clauses:
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1. Patients or caregivers with experience relevant to the conference’s central theme actively participate in the design and planning of the event, including the selection of themes, topics, and speakers.
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Patients are very present in the speakers, panels, and audience of CVCT.
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They are an integral part of the CVCT stakeholders’ wheel.
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They are called upon in the preparation stage of the program.
2. Patients or caregivers with experience of the issues addressed by the event participate in its delivery, and appear in its physical audience.
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Each talk includes a section called "Patient Perspective" that allows the patients to communicate their experience and point of view to an audience of clinical investigators, clinical trials designers, contract management organisations, industry R&D, statisticians, etc., to constantly put the patient at the center of science.
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Patients also participate in the side activities of the program, such as the CVCT "Career Escalator" session, where they provide mentorship to young investigators.
3. Travel and accommodation expenses for patients or carers participating in the advertised program are paid in full, in advance. Scholarships are provided by the conference organizers to allow patients or carers affected by the relevant issues to attend as delegates.
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The conference’s patient representatives and their carers receive free registration.
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Travel and accommodation expenses are paid in full.
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All other expenses are covered.
4. The disability requirements of participants are accommodated. All applicable sessions, breakouts, ancillary meetings, and other program elements are open to patient delegates.
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Dedicated assistive personnel accompany the patients to ensure their comfort and that their needs are accommodated throughout the conference.
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A room in the conference center is available for patients to rest during the day.
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Patient transport is secured from and to the hotel.
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The venue was chosen to have high accessibility.
5. Access for virtual participants is facilitated, with free streaming video provided online wherever possible.
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The hashtag #CVCT2025 is advertised prior to the event to allow the online community to participate in the debate.
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The conference app is available for download for free.
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The presentations are published online on our website and are accessible to all.