Patients bring an essential perspective to respiratory research and care. Their experience can help researchers understand which questions matter, what outcomes make a difference in daily life, and how information and support can better meet people’s needs.
At the 2026 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, patient partnership was a central theme. Sessions explored how patients and professionals can work together in research, education and care.
The symposium The Power of Patient Partnerships covered the foundations of patient–professional partnerships, co-creating digital and self-management tools, involving patients in long-term studies, and the role of patient partnership in bronchiectasis. A separate patient-centred session explored meaningful patient involvement in research.
Members of our patient group were involved in the Congress too. At least two members contributed as speakers or panellists at the ELF Patient Organisation Networking Day, and we presented a poster about our patient engagement work. The Networking Day was an invitation-only event, but related ERS sessions are available to watch online.
These discussions show how patient experience can contribute to research and care, and how patient organisations can share ideas and learn from one another across Europe.
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