The Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) has invited adults with cerebral palsy and caregivers of adults to join an adult registry study panel. The panel will partner with clinicians and providers who have led the creation of adult registry elements for the CPRN Registry. The panel will help determine study questions that are most important to adults with CP and have an opportunity to participate in the research process. The CPRN Adult Registry group is co-led by Mary Gannotti, PT Ph.D. and Debbie Thorpe, PT Ph.D. and includes providers from a wide range of disciplines who treat adults with (or children or both) CP. The adult registry study panel will be organized by Michele Shusterman of CP Now Foundation and CP Daily Living in her role as the Patient Engagement Leader on the CPRN leadership team. The panel members will represent a group of people with CP with diversity among age, race, gross motor function, and cognitive abilities.

CPRN plans to invite a similar panel to participate in the CPRN Registry efforts for children. Both groups will be extended opportunities to influence the overall research agenda for CPRN at a future planning meeting. The engagement of patient stakeholders in research has been demonstrated to enhance the impact of clinical research and is integral to the mission of CPRN.