Apply to become an expert panel member

What is an expert panel? 

When developing a new best practice guideline (BPG) or revising an existing one, RNAO convenes an expert panel. The panel, led by two co-chairs, supports RNAO’s BPG team by contributing valuable expertise to guideline development work. For example, persons with lived experience provide crucial insight into what matters most for persons impacted by the guideline recommendations that will be formulated.

Who can be on an expert panel?

RNAO seeks broad and interprofessional representation on its expert panels to ensure diverse knowledge and backgrounds relevant to the BPG topic. This includes: 

  • nurses and other health professionals who work in clinical care 
  • persons with lived experience, including individuals with first-hand experience of the BPG topic, lay caregivers and lay advocates 
  • nursing educators and administrators
  • health and policy researchers 

What is involved? 

Expert panel members are expected to serve on the BPG panel for approximately 18 months. Their responsibilities include:

  • attending orientation, planning and follow-up virtual meetings throughout the full BPG development process
  • reading preparatory materials sent by RNAO’s BPG team 
  • participating in the development of the purpose, scope and recommendation questions
  • reviewing and providing feedback on documents and tools throughout the development process
  • finalizing recommendations through a consensus- building process 
  • identifying and establishing connections to other reviewers who will review the draft BPG at a later stage
  • promoting awareness of the published BPG

*Please note: participation as a panel member is voluntary and no compensation will be provided. 

Expert panel members will be asked to uphold respect for diversity and acknowledge the different perspectives of each expert panel member. RNAO aims to create a safe space where expert panel members can share candidly and openly during the guideline development process. Discussions during meetings are to remain confidential.

What type of experience are you looking for on the expert panel? 

Persons with lived experience should have:

  • significant and recent experience regarding the BPG topic
  • a strong comfort level in speaking about their experience constructively
  • the ability to respectfully listen to different perspectives with an open mind
  • demonstrated experience working in collaborative settings

Health providers/researchers/educators/administrators/policy-makers should have:

  • an in-depth understanding of the BPG topic
  • a demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues to different audiences
  • the ability to respectfully listen to different perspectives with an open mind
  • appreciate and understand evidence-based practice
  • demonstrated experience working in collaborative settings

How do I apply? 

Please complete the expert panel form  if you would like to be considered for the role of expert panel member in this guideline development process. Currently we are only recruiting for the following BPGs:

  1. Strategies to Support Self-Management in Chronic Conditions: Collaboration with Clients
  2. Intimate Partner Violence 
  3. Promoting Life and Prevention of Indigenous Youth Suicide (for more information about this BPG please contact bstade@RNAO.ca) 
  4. Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership
  5. Promoting Safety: Alternative Approaches to Use of Restraints
  6. Preventing and Addressing Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults
  7. Enhancing Healthy Adolescent Development
  8. Engaging Clients who Use Substances & Implementing Supervised Injection Services
  9. End of Life Care During the Last Days and Hours & A Palliative Approach to Care in the Last 12 Months of Life

You will receive confirmation immediately after submitting your application. 

We may contact selected applicants by email for a follow-up telephone or virtual interview, as needed. Final appointment to the expert panel is pending a completed conflict of interest form.