From developing a user guide for navigating the healthcare system to participating in research supporting patient-engaged governance, a national patient group is taking flight.
The Patients’ Association of Canada (PAC), which is 700-plus members strong, celebrated its official launch Feb. 15 with a conference in Toronto.
The association’s president, Sholom Glouberman, a health insider turned patient, says “patient engagement in the process†is the key way to build a safer healthcare system.
“The more patients are involved in the entire process the less chance (there is) for medical errors,†Glouberman says.
“Patients and caregivers have a very high stake in patient safety.†Involving people who have vested interests in safer care paves the way for quality improvement, he adds.
The idea for the association was initially fuelled by Glouberman’s personal healthcare experience and his subsequent desire to make a difference.
“We want to be patient-led, patient-governed and patient-funded,†Glouberman says about the ties that bind the group.
PAC’s first big project was to establish patients’ choice awards. The association acknowledged Peterborough caregivers, Dr. David Newport and Dr. Carolyn Brown, for their efforts to promote and contribute to improving the patient experience.
“We’re recognizing what’s working," Glouberman says. "We want to reward and recognize that the system is by and large a good system.â€
PAC’s next project involves targeting the public in efforts to boost hand-washing. The association is currently working with an advertising agency on the campaign aimed at engaging patients in their healthcare at a higher level.
The group is also developing a user guide for patients on how to navigate the system.
In addition, PAC is working with the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute on a research project aimed at uncovering effective ways to improve quality of care and patient safety through patient-engaged governance.
This article was originally published here.