The benefits of involving patients in medical publications are widely recognised, with increasing numbers of patient advocates acting as authors or peer reviewers. In collaboration with Envision The Patient, the Workgroup of European Cancer Patient Advocacy Networks (WECAN) has developed a series of online training modules on patient engagement in publications.

Four open access modules are available, targeting patient advocates authoring or reviewing scientific publications. The modules cover the following topics:

Module 1: introduction

• key stages in the publication process
• guidelines on ethical considerations for publications
• author responsibilities

Module 2: publication planning

• the role of the Publication Steering Committee
• the value of a publication plan
• considerations when selecting a journal or congress

Module 3: publication writing

• key guidelines for publication development
• content that should be included in a publication
• professional medical writing versus ghost writing

Module 4: submission, peer review & beyond

• creating cover letters
• preparing responses to peer reviewers
• raising awareness of a publication.

—————————————————–