Advancing equity in research

Across the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, we strive to transform treatment and care for all Canadians living with or at risk for chronic kidney disease.

We have a shared responsibility and commitment to advancing equitable, patient-oriented research of the highest quality through our core values of inclusion, cultural competency, and collaboration.

Inclusion

We regard all forms of diversity as valuable, including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, social economic class, religion, and professional status. We believe patient-oriented research must be an open invitation for diverse voices to ask and answer the questions that drive the pursuit of better health.

Our voices belong to those who are touched by kidney disease every day, including family members, caregivers and friends who dedicate time to communicating hard-earned, real-world expertise. As a network, we aim to reflect Canada’s immense geographic and cultural diversity.

Cultural Competency

Through the wisdom and guidance of our network members, including patient partners, researchers, and the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council, we are continuing to build a culturally competent network in which diverse voices are respected, honoured, and heard. We recognize the existence of structural racism and its negative impacts on equal partnerships, and we are committed to counteracting this harmful form of oppression.

Fostering cultural competency involves recognizing diverse values, traditions and perspectives as well as actively challenging our own biases. Using this approach, we aim to advance equitable research, developed in partnership with patients and communities, that supports the best possible kidney health for all.

Collaboration

It is essential that all members of our network feel comfortable to share their opinions and perspectives. We strongly value working relationships fostered by mutual respect and understanding, as well as a positive work environment. These principles are critical for achieving true inclusivity.

Patient-oriented research asks participants from diverse backgrounds to put aside familiar methods and come together with open minds. We believe successful engagement depends on team members learning from and communicating meaningfully with each other to forge partnerships and mutual trust. Our partnerships are grounded in a shared commitment to understanding each other’s perspectives, experiences, and needs.

Core values action plan

We believe in living out our core values through action by practicing the 6 R’s in our work. Originally developed by our Patient Governance Circle as a Group Charter as expectations of members, the 6 R’s follow the guiding principles of Wabishki Bizhiko Skaanj Learning Pathway by Looking, Listening, Learning and Leading.

Respect

We will be respectful by:

  • Acknowledging the land/water/territories in the work of Can-SOLVE CKD
  • Respecting who we all are and regarding all forms of diversity as valuable. (Including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, social economic class, religion, and professional status)
  • Listening, understanding, and acting in a good way to respect each other’s opinions, thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Reciprocity

We will practice reciprocity by:

  • Actively listening in order that all voices are heard and understood
  • Being open-minded to cultural diversity and showing kindness in words and actions
  • Including principles of circle work such as two-eyed seeing and reciprocal learning

Relevance

Our work will be relevant by:

  • Fostering more engagement with patient partners from underrepresented areas of Canada
  • Putting our heart/hard work into action to benefit affected populations with CKD
  • Ensuring Can-SOLVE CKD research outcomes reflect and incorporate our vision

Responsibility

We will act responsibly by:

  • Asking for help and supporting each other
  • Being accountable for our words and actions to ourselves and each other
  • Sharing the workload throughout the Network
  • Delivering on our goals
  • We will lead by example

Relationships

We will honour relationships by:

  • Treating others the way they wish to be treated
  • Welcoming new members and establishing meaningful relationships
  • Being open-minded and curious; seeing, hearing, engaging

Real

We will be authentic by:

  • Speaking our truth
  • Sharing our experiential knowledge to impact change within the healthcare system
  • Pursuing educational efforts that are built on principles of our group charter
  • Delivering research outcomes that are important to patients and their families by addressing real life problems

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