Brian joined the Patient and Public Network Executive just this year! Our Patient and Public Involvement Manager, April English sat down with Brian to chat about his motivations to volunteer, impacts, top tips and so much more!
What motivated you to get involved in Cochrane's evidence community?
I came across a reference to Cochrane in some reading I was doing in 2018 and became curious about the organization and its purpose. Upon further reading I began to appreciate the value of its mission related to bringing the synthesis of research to help professionals and patients in decision-making related to treatments.
The proliferation of information and related marketing has created an unproductive and potentially harmful environment that can be difficult to manage for both professionals and patients. I viewed Cochrane as an organization committed to trying to address some of these challenges and wanted to assist in that mission to the extent that I could.
I viewed Cochrane as an organization committed to trying to address some of these challenges and wanted to assist in that mission to the extent that I could.
Since becoming involved with Cochrane, what is a particular moment or project you are proud of?
There have been several experiences where I've been pleased to be part of Cochrane's mission. On the Engage platform I've had the opportunity to provide feedback to editors on plain language summaries and have often heard back from them and their concurrence with and appreciation of the input. I have also worked on the Cochrane-Wikipedia project and received positive feedback from other editors and subscribers related to the addition and updating of Cochrane citations. Also, I've shared Cochrane resources with family members and friends providing them a brief description of what a systematic review is and how to search for relevant reviews in the Cochrane Library. It has always felt good when they advise me that the information was helpful to them in shaping decisions about treatment alternatives.
What resource, organization, learning opportunity, or mentor helped you most when starting your Cochrane journey?
Two people were helpful and encouraging to me as I began volunteering for Cochrane tasks. Jennifer Dawson, who heads up Cochrane's Wikipedia project helped and encouraged a great deal including several facetime calls and emails to get me started on the Wikipedia project.
I have also had a number of positive interactions with Cochrane Editors, especially Joanne Duffield who has always provided encouraging feedback and appreciation for comments on plain language summaries.
What advice or tips would you give others interested in getting involved with Cochrane?
The Cochrane work and activities can appear to be pretty intimidating at first glance. The work is challenging but well within the grasp of individuals with the interest of contributing in meaningful ways. Also, over time the work can be very educational and give you a better appreciation for the challenges associated with medical research around the world and sharing that research with professionals and patients in meaningful ways.
Join Brian and 2500 other patients and members of the public who are contributing to Cochrane and health evidence by signing up to our Network here.
