Patient services in health care organizations are almost always developed with patients in mind, but there has been very little patient participation. We have found that when patients’ perspective is included in design, everyone’s experience improves. PAC is working with patients and families to redesign the services we use.
Responding to Patient Anxiety in ERs
Hospital triage nurses are highly skilled at identifying ill patients who need immediate care, however very few have training in responding to the anxiety of patients who are less sick. We are sure that patients can contribute a great deal to the development of an educational program for nurses about this critical customer service issue. There are no patient led training programs in this area yet. Some hospitals have already responded to the idea with enthusiasm. We are seeking support for this effort. If you think it is important and would like to help contact Christina Spencer at christina.spencer@patientsassociation.ca. We need ideas, time and money to get this project off the ground.
Transitions Between Services For Older People In Peterborough
We recently submitted a letter of intent to the Change Foundation in partnership with five Peterborough agencies including primary, secondary and community services to engage patients and families in the redesign of services for older people. The project will focus especially on care transitions both inside and between institutions. We expect a response in the next few weeks.