Bill Schaffel: Incorporating the Patient Perspective into Research Practice

The Respiratory Research Centre is committed to engaging individuals with lived experience of respiratory illness to participate in Centre initiatives. Patient partners provide unique experiences and insights into the many research activities currently underway. The involvement of exceptional community members like Bill Schaffel is just one example of patient partnerships at work.

Bill was diagnosed with COPD more than 20 years ago and, he knows first-hand how debilitating the disease can be. When asked about his patient journey, Bill shared, “I am not comfortable how much my COPD has progressed and lessened my ability to participate in some of the simplest tasks and activities.”

Bill was first introduced to the world of respiratory research while under the care of USask respirologists. He was invited to become an advisory committee member for the Clinical Trials Support Group (CTSU). He also participated in a number of pulmonary studies at the University in order to contribute to the advancement of COPD research in Saskatchewan.

Currently, Bill is the Chair of the RRC’s Patient Partner Advisory Council and is a member of the Steering Group for the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. When asked about his experience as a patient partner he said, “Respiratory research needs feedback from stake holders like patients so, if you have the dubious opportunity of being a patient, you should add your voice to the conversation.” He admits that participating in research activities provided a new level of awareness of the prevalence of respiratory conditions in the province. Being a part of groups such as these make him feel more involved and, offer an opportunity to learn from not only clinicians but other patients as well.

Bill is a career architect. After working 9 years as a draftsman, he attended University and received a Masters of Architecture degree. He and his wife, Ann, have an architectural firm in Saskatchewan. Over the past 35 years, their firm has designed a number of projects for such institutional clients as Federal and Provincial Governments,  City of Saskatoon, University of Saskatchewan, Ronald McDonald House, St. Paul’s Hospital and RUH, to name a few.

While COPD has affected Bill’s quality of life, he is still able to partake in some of his favorite activities. In his downtime, Bill enjoys playing Bridge and working in his shop. He also has a couple antique vehicles and motorcycles. Four (adult) children and two dogs round out Bill and Ann’s family.

The Respiratory Research Centre is honored to work with Bill and looks forward to his continued participation in our research activities.