The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) is amplifying patients' voices on chronic disease research via its newly launched Patient Advisory Council. The council's purpose is to ensure patient perspectives remain at the center of ACHP's research and future chronic disease initiatives. Comprised of people with diabetes, caregivers and community advocates, the council will guide ACHP's work, providing continuous input on research priorities, patient engagement approaches and opportunities to improve care.

"As we recognize Chronic Disease Day, ACHP's Patient Advisory Council underscores our commitment that people facing chronic disease have a seat at the table to shape the research and solutions to continuously improve care and the patient experience," said ACHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Lee. "By listening to patients, caregivers and advocates, ACHP and its community-based members will gain direct insights into their challenges so future research produces ever more effective care."

The Council guarantees patients and caregivers are involved throughout the research process. They will identify research questions, define meaningful outcomes, interpret findings and inform the way results can be applied in practice. By creating a sustained partnership, ACHP is strengthening trust, improving research relevance within its member health plans and identifying solutions that meet the needs of people living with chronic disease.

During the Council's kickoff meeting, members emphasized patient-centered research must reflect the full context of patients' lives, such as financial, cultural, language and mental health considerations.