The ConectAR project, developed by researchers from CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research, was responsible for launching the Portuguese version of the European Lung Foundation’s Patient Ambassador Program.
Following the work carried out by researchers from CINTESIS/Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), together with patients, the European Patient Ambassador Program is now available for the first time in Portuguese, making it accessible to the Portuguese and all countries that speak the language. The launch has already been made official by the Foundation, via its official website and social networks.
According to Cristina Jácome and Ana Sá Sousa, this program is an online, interactive, and free course that helps people with chronic illness and their caregivers gain the basic skills and knowledge needed to be effective ambassadors in this area.”
This program, made up of eight modules, also allows patients and caregivers to feel more empowered and to be able to successfully represent themselves and others, namely in the field of healthcare, seeking to improve it.
The modules also make it possible to improve information and awareness, influence health policies and laws, and support research and development projects, including at an international level.
The European Lung Foundation’s program is currently available in seven languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and, finally, Portuguese. You can access it here.
ConectAR – Collaborative research network: Advancing patient and public involvement in Respiratory and Digital Health is “a collaborative network where people with respiratory diseases, their caregivers and citizens are involved as co-investigators in clinical research and digital health projects. It is a pioneering initiative in Portugal and seeks to create solutions that meet the real needs of people with respiratory disease.”