Amplifying Patient and Caregiver Voices in Academic Conferences: Reflections From a Conference on Integrated Care

AI Summary

Design conferences inclusively with tangible supports such as waived registration fees, quiet rooms and shared chairing to centre patient and caregiver participation.
Co-design processes must engage patients and caregivers as equal partners in planning, leadership and plenary roles to ensure authentic influence.
Share practical recommendations and reflect on successes and gaps to continually improve inclusive engagement at future conferences and programmes.

Healthc Q. 2026 Apr;29(1):31-36. doi: 10.12927/hcq.2026.27861.

ABSTRACT

Academic and healthcare conferences often default to professional expertise, leaving patients and caregivers at the margins. In this commentary led by patient and caregiver partners, we reflect on our experiences co-designing and participating in the 2024 North American Conference on Integrated Care (NACIC24). From waived registration fees and quiet rooms to shared chairing and plenary roles, we highlight tangible steps to creating inclusive conference design processes, spaces and experiences. In reflecting on the successes and areas for additional opportunities, this article provides tangible recommendations to advance patient and caregiver inclusive engagement based on our key learnings from the NACIC24.

PMID:42339632 | DOI:10.12927/hcq.2026.27861

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