The starting point of our project ORIENTATE is the insight that patients rarely participate as co-researchers in quantitative research studies. So far, little is known about whether patients want to actively participate in this field of research, and if there is a need, what support they need as co-researchers. In our project, we are therefore using an online survey (needs assessment) to determine patients' needs for participation in quantitative studies. In addition, we are also determining which requirements are placed on patients from their point of view in the context of research participation. In collaboration with PRO RETINA, we are developing educational formats (2-hour workshop and podcasts), which will also be conducted jointly as part of the project. PRO RETINA members can participate in both the online survey and the workshop.

In addition, a handout for researchers on the topic of successful participatory collaboration will be created in the exchange and subsequently discussed with researchers and PRO RETINA members to include both perspectives. Further opportunities for member participation will be determined as the project progresses. PRO RETINA members will have the opportunity to contact project participants at any time to contribute their ideas and questions. In the spirit of participatory research, PRO RETINA will take an equal role throughout the course of the project, including the publication of the results. We are convinced that the chosen co-research approach helps to ensure that the tools developed (needs analysis, training formats, handout for researchers) are better tailored to our target group and, at the same time, can be more easily reused by other co-researchers.

The ORIENTATE project, jointly conducted by HAW Hamburg and PRO RETINA Deutschland e.V. and funded by NFDI4Health/DFG, aims to sustainably improve the role and participation of patients in quantitative research studies. Prof. Wöhlke, Professor of Health Sciences and Ethics, emphasizes: "Our project with PRO RETINA is a pilot project that makes an important contribution to the development of patient-oriented medical research, from which other patient* organizations can later benefit. We want to give patients a voice and ensure that their needs and perspectives are taken into account in research."
In June 2023, a face-to-face meeting of the project team, consisting of co-researchers from HAW Hamburg and PRO RETINA, took place in Hamburg. "The face-to-face meeting was a good opportunity for us to take a close look at the various aspects of the ORIENTATE project and take them one step further," says Thomas Duda, Head of Digitalization at PRO RETINA. "In addition, getting to know each other in person was very valuable. We are planning a next face-to-face meeting in October this year, this time at our PRO RETINA office in