Learning objectives:

1. Describe the community-engagement processes undertaken to identify priorities for families affected by SUD and addiction in Prince Albert.
2. Describe elements of the community engagement process in the research process on exploring the needs for and developing interventions for families affected by addiction in Prince Albert.
3. Discuss lessons learned in the community engagement process for the project- exploring the needs for and developing interventions for families affected by addiction in Prince Albert.
4.  

Abstract:

Background: Substance use is a persisting health care crisis that has led to the addiction of diverse substances in the Prince Albert region of Saskatchewan. This public health issue of concern affects not only those with a substance use disorder (SUD) but also their family. In this presentation, we describe the engagement process conducted with community members in different phases of the research process. Aim: This presentation will outline the community-engagement processes undertaken to identify community priorities on substance use and addiction. Including how they guided the grant application and the implementation of the study focussing on the impact of substance use and addiction on family members. Objectives: the objectives of the presentations are to a) describe the community-engagement processes that were undertaken to identify priorities for families affected by SUD and addiction in Prince Albert; b) describe elements of the community engagement process in the research process on exploring the needs for and developing interventions for families affected by SUD and addiction in Prince Albert and; c) discuss lessons learned in the community engagement process for the project- exploring the needs for and developing interventions for families affected by SUD and addiction in Prince Albert. Results and discussion: The initial community engagement event provided clarity of the community needs, i.e., the absence of support for families affected by SUD and addiction. This focus guided team composition to apply for a research grant comprising family members, health care providers, and decision-makers. Utilizing the principles of patient-oriented research in grant design and implementation, ensured that patient and family members were actively engaged in each phase of the research process-from participant recruitment, data analysis, and presentation of the study findings. Conclusion: Through this study, a deeper understanding of the impact of substance use disorder and addiction on family members was made apparent. Involving people with lived experiences as co-applicants in the grant, grounded the research team to ensure the study’s findings were understood by and relevant to the public. Lessons on the complexities of community engagement, best practices in the co-option of family members as research team members, and dynamics of participation in projects were learned.