PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS OPPORTUNITY IS FOR PROFESSIONALS WHO ALREADY HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE IN SCIENTIFIC REVIEW AND CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES. WHILE WE APPRECIATE THE INTEREST OF STUDENTS, MOST WILL NOT HAVE THE REQUISITE EXPERIENCE FOR THIS SPECIFIC ROLE.

The Lay Stakeholder volunteer is an individual without formal training as a scientist who possesses a strong interest in advancing cardiovascular and or neurovascular science and healthcare. We are specifically seeking someone without a scientific background, but someone who may be a recovered patient, caregiver, or an advocate.

Interest could be based on an intimate experience with a cardiovascular or neurovascular disease or disorder, a survivor with a disease or disorder, a family member with experience, a caregiver and advocate.

Lay participants on manuscript writing groups will help to ensure that AHA’s scientific statements and clinical practice guidelines are developed according to the standards set by the Institute of Medicine (i.e. transparency, complementing the perspectives of clinicians and scientists, and helping safeguard against conflicts of interest). Commitment of one to two years into the process as Guideline Writing Committee Member.

Responsibilities include:

Lay Representative orientation call to provide overview of Writing Group process and expectations.

• Introductory call with the Writing Group chair to review expectations (i.e., participation on calls and mechanisms for providing input during manuscript development).
• Providing input on content regarding patient choices, values, preferences.
• Training on subject matter, as well as, Evidence-based Healthcare.
• Acting as impartial members not permitted financial and nonfinancial conflicts, including personal, intellectual, or organizational relationships to influence their judgment.
• Attending face-to-face kickoff and consensus meetings.
• Scheduled calls at designated intervals (typically once a week) to assess project progress.
• Project could take up to two years.

The project will take approximately 18-24 months. The responsibilities are:

Attend weekly conference calls for approximately 6-7 months. 1 hour per week

• Write portions of the guideline based on your experience and expertise. E.g., patient and family engagement, social factors, shared decision making, etc....
• Attend two meetings, expenses paid by the organizations (virtual meetings will take place during the COVID-19 pandemic)
  • One day meeting
  • Two day meeting
• Vote on the guideline recommendations
• Review and sign-off on the entire manuscript once drafted
• Contribute as needed for the document.