Are you currently managing three or more chronic conditions? Patients Canada is partnered with health researchers at McMaster University and The University of Alberta to gain an understanding of how older adults manage their chronic conditions. The project is open to residents of Southern Ontario and Edmonton, Alberta or surrounding communities.
Over the past few years, more and more organizations have been welcoming Patient and Family Advisers (PFAs) into their organizations to sit on committees and help to advise elements of service delivery and care. On April 3rd of this year, Patients Canada held our first conference for PFAs. With our goal of increasing the patient and family voice in healthcare, we were excited to have PFAs from across Canada in one room where they could discuss their experiences as advisers, and see what they could learn from each other. Around 50 people showed up, and dozens of topics were discussed.
This project is a two-year $3-million dollar effort to improve the healthcare experience of seniors with chronic conditions in Northumberland County. Patients Canada is among a coalition of providers, patients and family caregivers who are identifying issues that need to be addressed in order to redesign services that will enhance patients’ experiences and how we move through the healthcare system. As one of the partners, our role is to ensure that the patient perspective is well-represented and maintained throughout the project.
Primary Care: Promoting Collaboration and Understanding
The Care-ring Voice Network along with VHA Home Healthcare are offering a free webinar on May 29th from 7:00PM - 8:30PM (EST) on how to start an advance care planning conversation and planning for your loved one's end-of-life wishes. This session is offered in English and is also available by phone. Space is limited so register today! Visit their website here.
Do you believe research has a key role to play in improving the primary healthcare (PHC) system in Canada? Are you interested in being involved in shaping the path of PHC research in Canada? The Patients’ Association of Canada is participating in a new venture with the Canadian Primary Health Care Research and Innovation Network (CPHCRIN), an emerging research, training and knowledge exchange network in community-based primary health care (CBPHC), to engage patients in the ongoing development of a pan-Canadian CBPHC research network and research agenda.
On Monday, June 3rd, Health Sciences North in Sudbury is holding a summit, Designing a More Seniors-Friendly Community. Patients’ Association President, Sholom Glouberman, will be giving a talk about the role that patients and their families can take in improving the system. Prior to the event, there will also be a Seniors Fair, featuring information booths about the various services available to seniors at Health Sciences North and in the community. Both events are free!
We’ve been working with Northumberland Hills Hospital, the Change Foundation, and other partners in Northumberland County on the PATH project. The project allows patients and caregivers to partner with providers across the community and system to co-design changes to improve healthcare transitions and experiences. Listen here to how the five project elements work to improve the patient experience.