WCN25-3209 PATIENT PARTNER RECRUITMENT: CO-DEVELOPING A PATIENT-ORIENTED RESEARCH PEER ENGAGEMENT AS A CAPACITY-BUILDING STRATEGY IN A NATIONAL KIDNEY HEALTH RESEARCH NETWORK

Patient-oriented research (POR) is increasingly promoted in kidney health research and is regarded as integral to ensuring that research aligns with patient priorities. Involving patients and caregivers as partners in research (patient partners) engaged in every stage of the research, from identifying research questions to co-developing protocols, analyzing data, and knowledge dissemination activities,supportsa relevant research program as well as fostering an empowering experience for patients and caregivers.SupportingPOR and acknowledging the depth and breadth of knowledge that patient partners contribute from their lived experience is integral to ensuring research is most relevant for those for whom it matters most.