Posted • Last updated
Closed
Commitment: Short-term
Connection method: Virtual
Open to Northern Region
Last updated
Volunteer Opportunity
Northern Health is learning about the current gaps in access to the PAP screening process in the Northeast region of BC and seeking ways to address them. Patient voices will be critical to this work – have your say on this important project!
Lead Organization/Department
Northern Health, Northeast Advisor, Leadership Development
Aim
Northern Health is hosting one to one interviews by phone with patient partners to learn about their experiences with cervical screening including PAP tests, and/or colposcopies. Northern Health wants to learn from patient partners what works well, what needs improvement, and how best to address the concerns that come to light. Examples of questions that may be asked in the interview include:
• How have your personal experiences with getting PAP screenings been?
• What feelings or thoughts come to mind when the topic is brought up?
• If you have had negative experiences with PAP screenings and if you are comfortable speaking about it, can you share with us what made the process difficult?
• What do you think are some strengths and weaknesses of PAP testing process?
• Are there any gaps in the process?
• What can Northern Health do to help streamline the process of cervical testing?
Level of Engagement
This opportunity is at the level of consult on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will listen to and acknowledge your ideas and concerns, and provide feedback on how your input affected the decision.
Eligibility
• Open to patient partners from: Northeast communities of Northern Health (ex: Fort St. John).
• Having had a cervical examination or are awaiting an appointment for one.
• Comfortable sharing your lived experience with a health care partner from the project team.
• Please note:
– This opportunity, not open to Interior Health staff members or patient partners who are currently employed by Interior Health.
– As connection and relationship building is important to BCCDC, we may like to meet with short listed patient partners as part of our selection process in an informal interview between the volunteer and the health care partner.
– Applicants must have previously attended a PVN orientation session and completed the Patient Partner Commitments form. If you have not attended an orientation session but you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Charmaine Niebergall directly to see if accommodations may be possible.
– As required by the October 14, 2021 Public Health Order released by the Provincial Health Officer, proof of vaccination is required to access any in-person meetings at an Interior Health site. Proof of vaccination can be provided by way of a Vaccination Passport or Vaccination card, along with government issued photo ID. For patient partnership activities that are virtual only (via Zoom, video conference, phone, etc.), proof of vaccination is not required.
Logistics
• Number of vacancies: 6
• Date/Time:
– Late August
– Days and times to be determined
• Location: By telephone, unless using Zoom is preferred by the patient partner
• Commitment: 1 time, 30-45 minutes.
Reimbursement
No out-of-pocket expenses are anticipated for this engagement opportunity. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria but have concerns about your ability to participate, please contact Charmaine Niebergall cniebergall@bcpsqc.ca to see if support options are available. We are always seeking to better understand and reduce barriers to participation.
Background
Northern Health is investigating what impact Covid-19 has had on the waitlist and wait times for PAP tests. Recognizing that 5% of all PAP tests result in colposcopies, the information provided by patient partners will help us gain insight on the current situation in the Northeast region of Norther Health and will inform planning for the operationalization of the Northeast colposcopy services program.
