ACTONNECT: A Platform to Support Patients and Researchers Collaboration

The paper discusses an online platform called Act Together and Connect for patient-centered outcome research or ACTONNECT in short. ACTONNECT is based on the grounded theory of action-based matchmaking and engagement. Meaning, if there are established actions from both partners, the matchmaking process is more likely to be successful. Based on previous research, there are three levels of engagements in the matchmaking process: 1) The initial willingness from both parties, one who is looking to be connected with the other to develop rigorous research studies, 2) The two groups are engaged by actions, physically sharing in the activities of creating research studies, protocol and publishing´s, and 3) The Engaged partnership, which is literally the 1 +1 > 2 partnership. Based on this concept, ACTONNECT allows the matchmaking at the highest level by allowing patients and researchers who share a common ground. ACTONNECT views as a common platform for both patients and researchers. With the action-based matchmaking, the partnership between patients and researchers can be more sustainable.