SmILE Shares Patient and Stakeholder Engagement Practices at the Ageing Deal Cluster Meeting

How can patient and stakeholder participation be embedded in research projects to ensure that innovation responds to real-world needs? This question was at the centre of a recent Ageing Deal Cluster meeting, where partners from SmILE, COMFORTage and STAGE project came together to exchange experiences, approaches and best practices. During the meeting, each project presented its approach to involving patients, citizens and other stakeholders in research and innovation activities. The presentations provided an opportunity to explore different engagement methods, share practical experiences and discuss common challenges across the three projects.

Representing SmILE, Selina Englmeier and Viktoria Pollok shared the project's approach to patient involvement, including the role of its Patient Advisory Board in bringing patient perspectives into research activities. The exchange highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful participation and learning from the experiences of other initiatives working towards improved health and care for an ageing population. Beyond sharing experiences, the meeting also identified opportunities for closer collaboration within the cluster. The participants also discussed organising additional webinars to explore topics relevant to all three projects, providing a space to share ongoing activities, address common challenges and exchange good practices.

By connecting projects and encouraging knowledge exchange, the Ageing Deal Cluster aims to strengthen collaboration and support more effective patient and stakeholder participation in research and innovation. For SmILE, these exchanges are a valuable opportunity to share experiences, learn from other initiatives and further strengthen the role of patients in developing smart implant technologies and more personalised rehabilitation approaches.