Thank you to everyone who attended our 2016 patient information sessions in Toronto and London! They were a big success! Each day brought patients, OBRI staff, interviewers, and researchers together for a chance to meet, share experiences, and learn about OBRI research and outcomes.
Our first 2016 session was held on Saturday May 14th in Toronto, and our second was held on Saturday June 4th in London, Ontario. Each day began with a presentation from Dr. Bombardier, Principal Investigator of OBRI, and was followed with time for discussion/questions and a presentation by a local Rheumatologist – Dr. Keystone in Toronto, and Dr. Pope in London. Both days were well-attended with approximately 16-28 RA patients and a number of patient guests.
In each session, patients had opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback, and meet OBRI staff, other patients with RA, and members of the OBRI Patient Advisory Committee. Patients also had time to talk with OBRI staff and learn more about how their involvement in OBRI is contributing to the future of arthritis care and management in Ontario.
Every year, OBRI patient information sessions are located in different cities across Ontario to provide patients from different regions with an opportunity to attend a session close to home. Here is some of the feedback we received from patients in our 2016 sessions in Toronto and London:
“It was very informative and educational”
“It gives a sense of hope and confidence in practitioners’ care”
“I appreciated having a chance to speak with others suffering from the same disease”
“These seminars are good – they help patients understand more of the disease and what’s being done”
Patients also shared how participating in OBRI has personally impacted them:
“OBRI gives me a chance to talk about arthritic issues with people who understand intimately and thoroughly our issues.”
“It helps me to see and understand that there is help in other aspects besides medication.”
“It gives me hope – STILL – after having RA for 45 years!”
Since 2013, OBRI has held patient information sessions in Toronto, Bowmanville, Mississauga, Newmarket, Barrie, Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, and London. We look forward to connecting with more patients in the years that follow – stay tuned for more information on upcoming dates and locations for our Spring 2017 sessions!