Member, Virtual Care Enhancement Initiative

Island Health is transforming the way we deliver virtual care and we welcome your input. Do you have an interest in a virtual care tool that allows video visits with clinicians to be used any time, anywhere? If so, please join our team and be a voice for patients in this new and exciting area of health care! Your participation will help us design and expand Telehealth, improving the patient experience and access to health care.

Open to: Patient partners across the Island Health region

Lead Organization or Department

Telehealth – Island Health

Aim

Island Health and the Ministry of Health are looking to virtual care tools to meet the increasing demand on the health system and to improve patients’ access and experience. In 2019, Island Health will work to buy a new video visit tool to connect physicians and clinicians in their offices to patients in their homes. Our patient partners will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, assist in testing the technology and provide feedback on a variety of materials.

Level of Engagement

This opportunity is at the level of involve on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will involve patients in planning and design phases to ensure ideas or concerns are considered and reflected in alternatives and recommendations.

Eligibility

We are seeking a diverse group of patient partners from different age groups, locations and backgrounds. All you need to participate is:

• Access to a computer or mobile device with webcam and speakers that is not older than 5 years
• Access to an internet connection at home to allow participation in video meetings
• Be willing to participate in testing with a video system
• An active email account

Please note: This opportunity is not open to patient partners who are currently employed by Island Health. The placement process for this opportunity may include an informal interview between the volunteer and the health care partner. Applicants must have previously attended a PVN orientation session and completed the Volunteer Agreement. If you have not attended an orientation session but you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Ashley Clark directly to see if accommodations may be possible.

Logistics

Vacancies: 8 Date and Time: Meetings will be during business hours (Monday to Friday) with flexibility to accommodate schedules. Location: Remotely through phone and video Commitment: One week to six months. Commitment varies throughout the project with a maximum involvement of two hours, twice a month (only during the testing phase).

Reimbursement

Pre-approved transportation and parking costs to attend meetings will be reimbursed by Island Health.

Background

Telehealth lets you meet with your health care provider using a television screen or computer monitor, video camera and microphone, which operate over a secure network. This allows you and your health care provider to visit as if you were both in the same room. Telehealth helps you by:

• Providing access to health care providers and services in the comfort of your community;
• Offering access to health education;
• Giving you a choice to meet with your health care provider by Telehealth or in person;
• Saving you time and money; and
• Keeping you close to home.

Find out more information about Telehealth on our site or check out one of our three videos: 1, 2, 3.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Ashley Clark
Engagement Leader, Patient & Public Engagement | Vancouver Island
250.812.8909

aclark@bcpsqc.ca