Patients Included

The Patients Included conference charter provides organizers with a framework for demonstrating their events are committed to incorporating the experience of patients as experts in living with their condition while ensuring they are neither excluded nor exploited.

The five points of the charter relate to patients:

• active participation in the design and planning of the event,
• attendance,
• travel and accommodation expenses,
• disability accommodation, and
• virtual access where possible.

In 2018, our Colloquium first adopted the Patients Included charter. This experience offered valuable lessons that continue to shape future events.

April English, Cochrane’s Patient and Public Involvement Manager, shares:

“Throughout the 2026 Cochrane Colloquium, I encourage every attendee to take the opportunity to connect with patient and public representatives. Listen to their experiences, share ideas, and discover new ways we can work together, moving closer to our shared vision.”