Implementing a pragmatic framework for authentic patient-researcher partnerships in clinical research.

In response to the creation of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute in 2010, researchers have begun to incorporate patient and family stakeholders into the research process as equal partners, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of literature around how best to engage patients and families and many barriers to doing so effectively. This paper outlines a pragmatic framework of collaborative engagement and partnership between research investigators and patient and family advisors from existing patient and family advisory councils (PFACs) at an academic medical center. This framework includes the role for each party throughout the clinical research process (launch, hypothesis, specific aims, measures/methods, results, interpretations/recommendation and dissemination).

Biomarkers of heart failure.

Biomarkers can provide insights into underlying mechanisms and lead to better understanding of complex disease states. This enhanced understanding can then be integrated into disease management, which can lead to better therapies and ultimately to improved patient outcomes. The natriuretic peptides (NPs) are established cost-effective biomarkers in heart failure and have set the standard for how a well-validated biomarker can be useful in the diagnosis/prognosis, monitoring of response to therapy, and management of chronic disease. Newer biomarkers such as midregional pro-adrenomedullin, ST2, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin are emerging as adjuncts to NPs in the management of heart failure patients.