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Advocate and Speaker, World Sepsis Day Booth

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Open to Fraser – Vancouver Coastal, Patient partners in the Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley

Last updated

World Sepsis Day is held every year as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against sepsis. If you have experienced sepsis, we want you to join a sepsis advocacy booth in downtown Vancouver on Friday, September 13, and participate in engaging the public by sharing your experience of surviving sepsis and providing education materials that describe possible signs of sepsis.

Open to: Patient partners in the Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley

Lead Organization or Department

BC Patient Safety & Quality Council, Health System Improvement

Aim

Why are we doing this? Sepsis is a syndrome that results when an infection causes damage to the body’s organs and may lead to death if not treated early and aggressively. Sepsis is poorly understood and this event is intended to raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening medical problem. Our goal Our goal is to bring researchers, the public and sepsis survivors together in an attempt to understand each other’s perspectives and to foster relationships, leading to advocacy and collaborative research to decrease the burden and improve care experience and health outcomes. What can a patient partner offer at this booth? The booth will run from 11am - 6pm. We invite patient partners to attend for as short or as long as they choose to partner with members from the BC Sepsis Network to help increase the public's awareness of signs of sepsis, in addition to sharing their own lived experience when interacting with members of the public.

Level of Engagement

N/A

Eligibility

We are looking for patient partners who:
  • is a person who survived sepsis/septic shock in a hospital or after discharge from a hospital, or supported a loved one who experienced sepsis/septic shock
  • consents to having their image and a quote shared on a public network and on social media

Logistics

  • Vacancies: 2-5
  • Date: Friday, September 13
  • Time: between 11am - 6pm - participants can choose how long they want to attend
  • Location: Either UBC Robson Square (800-block of Robson St) or Vancouver Public Library, Central Library (350 W Georgia St) – To be confirmed by July 31

Reimbursement

Pre-approved transportation costs (mileage up to 60 km each direction, parking up to $25/day and transit) will be reimbursed. If you would require a different mode of transportation to participate, please let us know.

Background

Since 2012 the BC Sepsis Network has promoted early recognition and treatment of sepsis, with special recognition on World Sepsis Day. We believe that sharing stories of those who have survived sepsis or family members whose loved ones have either survived or passed away as a result of sepsis leads to meaningful patient involvement in our work and adds to additional education for other patients, families and healthcare providers. We also believe in the power of patient partners providing education on the signs of sepsis and advocating for yourself or your loved one to healthcare providers by asking "could it be sepsis?" in which you can then describe how you or your loved one is feeling. The following prompts will be provided to patient partners to help generate conversation: "Sepsis is an emergency and needs to be treated right away. If you or your loved one has any of the below symptoms and an infection that is not getting better or is getting worse, speak to a healthcare professional right away, or ask your doctor or nurse, “Could this be Sepsis?” Sepsis can get worse over time, so it is best to act early. Prevention is key. Knowing the signs and seeking early treatment can stop the progression of sepsis. Better Safe than Septic. For example, "think SEPSIS" if you have any of the following: S: Shivering→ You might have chills, fever, clammy skin and feel like you have the flu E: Elevated heart rate→ It might feel like your heart is racing. P: Pain→ You might feel new or different pain or discomfort. S: Sleepy→ You might feel confused, disoriented or like you have less energy than usual. I: “I feel worse than ever” → You might be sick and worried that you are not getting better. S: Short of breath→ You might feel out of breath or have trouble breathing. Patient partners are then welcome to share their lived experiences and, if they experienced similar signs, how they reacted to them.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Karen Estrin
Engagement Leader, Patient and Public Engagement | Lower Mainland & Sunshine Coast
604.668.8245
kestrin@bcpsqc.ca

From Our Community

Pamela Jessen

Patient Partner, Langford

Pamela Jessen

The Patient Voices Network allows me to engage and educate others on various health-related topics. By sitting on various committees and taking part in many activities, I can create real change in health care for everyone. It’s so empowering!