Ana has been involved with the Patient and Public Network Executive since 2021. Our Patient and Public Involvement Manager, April English sat down with Ana to chat about her motivations to volunteering, impacts, top tips and so much more!

What motivated you to get involved in Cochrane's evidence community?

I became involved with Cochrane in 2017 as a nursing student through my university, where the first Cochrane Center in my country was established. Being part of a research group led by the director of Cochrane Colombia, I discovered systematic reviews, research methodology, and the Cochrane Collaboration.

I wanted to provide patients and caregivers with reliable, high-quality evidence. This personal motivation to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health led me to coordinate the Colombian Cochrane Patient and Public Network. Seeing how evidence can directly impact patient care inspired me to immerse myself in Cochrane’s evidence community.

Since becoming involved with Cochrane, what is a particular moment or project you are proud of?

Coordinating the Colombian Cochrane Patient and Public Network. As a healthcare professional, I was able to support patients and caregivers who were eager to understand the best available evidence for managing their health conditions.  

One project involved simplifying complex research into plain language summaries, making sure that high-quality evidence was accessible to everyone. Seeing the gratitude from patients and families who were better able to navigate their healthcare decisions thanks to these efforts has been incredibly fulfilling.

Can you share a story where you or someone you know were involved in health research, and how that experience led to a significant impact on your own life or the lives of others?

While coordinating the Cochrane Patient and Public Network, I worked closely with a caregiver who was caring for a family member with a chronic illness. They were overwhelmed by conflicting information and uncertain about treatment options. Through our network, we connected them with evidence-based resources tailored to their needs. The caregiver was able to ask more informed questions, engage in discussions with the healthcare team, and ultimately feel more empowered in making decisions.  

This experience reminded me of the critical role that high-quality evidence plays in supporting not just patients but also their families, who are often navigating these decisions together.

What resource, organization, learning opportunity, or mentor helped you most when starting your Cochrane journey?

The mentorship of Richard Morley was invaluable in my early journey with Cochrane, his guidance in understanding research methodologies and the importance of systematic reviews shaped my approach to evidence-based healthcare.

Additionally, the Cochrane Learning resources, such as the Cochrane Evidence Essentials, Interactive Learning, Crowd, Engage, and workshops, allowed me to deepen my knowledge about evaluating health evidence, applying it in real-world situations critically, and ensuring patient partners are at the center of research. Being part of a global network of experts and patients and the public provided a supportive community, which was essential as I transitioned into the role of Patient and Public Network coordinator.

What advice or tips would you give others interested in getting involved with Cochrane?

Start with a genuine curiosity and openness to learn. There is an incredible amount of support within the Cochrane community, from workshops to mentoring opportunities. Engage with others – whether patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals – and always ask questions. The more involved you become, the more you will realize how your voice and input can make a difference in shaping health evidence that truly meets the needs of people. Lastly, don't be intimidated by the science; there are plenty of resources that can help translate complex research into information that is accessible and actionable.

Join Ana and 2500 other patients and members of the public who are contributing to Cochrane and health evidence by signing up to our Network here.