Patient & Community Engagement
The ultimate aim of the Patient and Community Outreach Working Group of the Research Autopsy Procurement Society (RAPS) is to support open dialogue between practitioners, donors and their next of kin, researchers, and other key stakeholders involved in research conducted at the end of life by disseminating accurate information and developing and sharing best practice guidelines.
Rapid autopsy programs support research into a wide range of diseases, enabling cutting edge investigations not possible through other programs of tissue donation.
We Strive to:
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Support diversity of the donor population : Create more equitable and inclusive programs across communities and jurisdictions by promoting better understanding of cultural practices in our patient populations and ensuring respectful and appropriate consent conversations.
Promote clear communication with patients and clinicians to dispel misconceptions and eliminate barriers to participation in rapid autopsy tissue donation
Foster relationship building with key colleagues: Develop and/or refine existing tissue collection processes and protocols by engaging pathologists, autopsy specialists, mortuary technicians and others as required
Foster acceptance within institutional Governance frameworks: Support members in their efforts to communicate clearly with Patient and Advisory Councils or like groups to increase their awareness of the important contribution research autopsy programs make to research.
Promote continuous improvement in communication practice: Collaborate with patients, patient advocacy groups, next of kin, clinical staff, researchers, and policymakers to align the objectives and practices of rapid research autopsy programs with the values and needs of affected patient groups.