Today I am speaking with Trishna Bharadia, who is a very active patient engagement consultant and works with a variety of companies and patient organizations to ensure that all patients with multiple sclerosis are included in the planning and implementation of campaigns, services and dialogue with various stakeholders. She shares her knowledge, some representative examples of well implemented patient focus and tips on how to become active yourself and where to get the right training.
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Introduction – Who is Trishna Bharadia?
Trishna Bharadia is a Multi-award-winning Patient Engagement Consultant, a Health Advocate, Speaker, a Writer and a Content Creator and lives in Maidenhead in the United Kingdom.
Defining Patient Engagement in MS
Trishna, as a patient advocate, how do you define patient engagement, and why is it so crucial in the context of multiple sclerosis?
Trishna Bharadia: To me, patient engagement means involving patients as equal partners in all aspects of healthcare. It’s not just about being asked to take part in something—it’s about truly co-creating the process. In the context of MS, that means having people with lived experience at the table when decisions are made—whether about clinical trials, treatment design, healthcare policies, or public health messaging.
MS is such a variable condition. Symptoms differ from person to person, and what works for one may not work for another. That’s why engagement is so vital—it ensures that solutions are patient-centered and reflect real-life needs. Without the patient voice, healthcare systems risk designing interventions that are disconnected from what truly matters to those living with MS.
What are some challenges MS patients face when trying to engage in their healthcare journey?
Trishna Bharadia: There are quite a few. First, health literacy is a big one—understanding medical jargon and the complexities of the healthcare system can be intimidating. Then there’s confidence—not everyone feels empowered to speak up or challenge medical opinions, especially in cultures or settings where the clinician is seen as the ultimate authority.
Accessibility is also a major issue. Fatigue, cognitive issues, or physical limitations can make it difficult for someone to attend advocacy events or meetings. There are also economic barriers—travel costs, time off work, or lack of digital access can all make participation harder. Overcoming these barriers requires a joint effort: healthcare systems must become more inclusive, and we as advocates need to create diverse and accessible opportunities for participation.
Empowering MS Patients Through Engagement
How can MS patients actively participate in their care and decision-making process?
Trishna Bharadia: Engagement starts small. It can mean asking questions during appointments, discussing treatment options openly, or setting personal health goals with your care team. Beyond that, patients can join local or national MS organizations, contribute to patient advisory boards, or take part in research studies. Each of these steps strengthens the collective patient voice.
One initiative I often recommend is EUPATI – the European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (eupati.eu). They offer comprehensive education and training on how patients can engage in research and drug development. Similarly, EURORDIS Open Academy (openacademy.eurordis.org) and EFNA’s Online Advocacy Courses (efna.net/elearning) are excellent resources for learning how to become an effective advocate. Knowledge is power—understanding the system allows you to make an impact within it.
What impact does patient engagement have on clinical trials and research studies related to MS?
Trishna Bharadia: The impact is huge. When patients are involved early in the design phase, clinical trials become more patient-friendly and realistic. For example, the Roche Mechanics of MS Analogy Toolkit (link) is a brilliant example of translating complex scientific concepts into something relatable for patients and families. Tools like this make engagement more meaningful and help patients better understand their own disease progression.
Another excellent initiative is MS in the 21st Century (msinthe21stcentury.com/en). It’s a collaborative effort that brings together patients, clinicians, and industry stakeholders to co-create materials, guidelines, and projects aimed at improving MS care globally. It’s a true example of partnership in action.
Advocacy and Support for MS Patient Engagement
You do a lot of advocacy work. How do you push for better access to information and education for people with MS?
Trishna Bharadia: My main focus is ensuring that educational content is accessible, inclusive, and relevant. That means using plain language, offering materials in different formats (like subtitles for videos or infographics), and ensuring translation into multiple languages. I collaborate with companies and organizations like Health Union (health-union.com) that create communities and educational platforms where patients can share experiences and find trustworthy information.
Access to information should never depend on someone’s background or resources. Everyone deserves to make informed choices about their health.
Inclusivity is a big theme for you. How do you ensure diverse voices are heard in patient engagement?
Trishna Bharadia: Absolutely. Inclusivity is about more than ethnicity or gender—it’s about ensuring representation across socioeconomic status, geography, digital literacy, and cultural perspectives. I always encourage organizations to reach out beyond the ‘usual suspects’—we need to involve people who are often overlooked.
For example, the Novartis “More to uS” campaign (link) beautifully highlights the individuality of people with MS and the diversity of their experiences. It shows how storytelling can amplify different voices and break stereotypes.
Another inspiring project is the Merck Patient Group Forum Event (link). It’s a great example of what happens when patients and pharma collaborate genuinely—co-creation instead of consultation.
The Role of Peer Support and Community
What role do peer support networks play in empowering MS patients to become more engaged in their health?
Trishna Bharadia: Peer networks are absolutely vital. They offer emotional support, share practical advice, and build confidence. Many people first discover advocacy through community conversations. Whether it’s online forums, Facebook groups, or in-person support groups, these networks create safe spaces for learning and empowerment.
I’ve seen people move from being newly diagnosed and scared to becoming passionate advocates because of peer encouragement. That’s the beauty of community—it multiplies strength.
Impact and Future of Patient Engagement in MS
Could you share examples of successful engagement initiatives that have had a positive impact on MS patients’ lives?
Trishna Bharadia: Definitely. I’ve already mentioned MS in the 21st Century, which continues to influence healthcare practices around the world. Another great example is Health Union, which provides digital platforms for patients to connect and share authentic experiences. Their community-driven model ensures that every story counts.
I also value EUPATI and EURORDIS Open Academy for their educational approach—these platforms equip patients with the tools they need to sit at the same table as researchers and policymakers. Empowered patients are effective partners.
What about involving caregivers and family members in engagement initiatives?
Trishna Bharadia: They play a critical role. Family and caregivers often provide essential context—sometimes they see changes or needs that the patient might overlook. Including them ensures that engagement efforts are holistic and sustainable.
And finally, what do you see as the future of patient engagement in MS?
Trishna Bharadia: I think we’re moving toward embedding patient engagement into every stage of healthcare—no longer as an optional extra, but as an expected standard. We need systems where engagement is built-in, not bolted on. The future lies in sustained collaboration, education, and equity.
The tools are already out there—the challenge is ensuring they’re used effectively and inclusively. Initiatives like EFNA’s online advocacy training and EURORDIS Open Academy are helping to create a generation of skilled, informed advocates who can make real change.
Farewell
What advice would you give MS patients who want to get involved in patient engagement and advocacy efforts?
Trishna Bharadia: Start where you are. You don’t have to be an expert or have a big platform. Attend a webinar, take an online course, or simply share your experience in a support group. Every small action contributes to a bigger movement. Your lived experience has power—use it.
List of the mentioned websites in regards to patient engagement
Trishna Bharadia mentions some platforms where you can learn how to become a patient advocate yourself, as well as some very good patient-centered initiatives. You can find them all here:
- EURORDIS Open Academy https://openacademy.eurordis.
org/ - EFNA Online Advocacy Courses https://www.efna.net/
elearning/ - Health Union https://health-union.com/
- EUPATI https://eupati.eu/
- MS in the 21st Century https://msinthe21stcentury.
com/en/ - Roche Mechanics of MS analogy https://www.ieepo.com/content/
dam/websites/ieepo/2022/ resources/learn-library/2022- ieepo-materials/Patient% 20booklet_MS%20progression% 20analogy%20toolkit.pdf - Novartis More to uS campaign https://www.outsourcing-
pharma.com/Article/2020/10/15/ Novartis-shines-spotlight-on- patients-living-with-MS - Merck Patient Group Forum Event https://deep-dive.
pharmaphorum.com/magazine/ patient-engagement/true- pharma-patient-co-creation- merck-ms/
How and where can interested people find you online?
- Instagram www.instagram.com/trishnabharadia
- Twitter www.twitter.com/trishnabharadia
- Facebook www.facebook.com/
trishnabharadia2015 - YouTube www.youtube.com/
trishnabharadia - LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/
trishnabharadia/
Many thanks to Trishna Bharadia for the very informative interview and for showing us that it is worthwhile working for yourself, but also for a larger group of patients. I wish Trishna continued energy and of course all the best for her own journey with MS. It’s really great what she has already achieved and how she is contributing to a more inclusive society.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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