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Member, Medicine Sepsis Working Group

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Open to Vancouver Island Region, Patient partners in the Island Health region

Last updated

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an infection. If Sepsis isn’t recognized early and treated right away, a patient’s condition can quickly worsen and they may die. We’re looking for a patient partner who has lived experience of sepsis to join the Medicine Sepsis Working Group!

Open to: Patient partners in the Island Health region

Lead Organization or Department

Medicine Quality, Island Health

Aim

Each year 30,000 Canadians are hospitalized because of sepsis. More than 30% of these patients will die. The goals of our initiative are as follows:
  1. Through a communications campaign, we aim to increase awareness of sepsis among physicians, nurses and allied health professionals and increase awareness of sepsis among patients and families
  2. Increase early recognition of sepsis to ensure timely treatment
  3. Reduce variation in the care of septic patients to ensure the best possible outcomes
The patient partner would ideally be someone who has lived experience of sepsis either as a patient and/or caregiver. We would like the patient partner to collaborate with us on staff training and communication strategies that target patients and families.

Level of Engagement

This opportunity is at the level of collaborate on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will work together with you to formulate solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

Eligibility

  • Experience (personal or family) receiving care for sepsis
  • Experience working with groups that are co-located (for example, in Victoria as well as up island)
  • Feel comfortable telling your story
    • Whether you are a patient who has survived sepsis or you have lost a loved one to sepsis, we understand that this is a painful story to share and it is important to us that you feel supported and are at a place in your journey where you feel comfortable sharing
  • If you have an interest in communications and/or have experience in adult learning, this knowledge and skillset would be an asset
  • 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: 2
  • Date/time: Meetings will begin at the end of January and are expected to occur monthly until July
  • Location: In-person at the Royal Jubilee Hospital with the option to call in via teleconference
  • Commitment: Up to six months

Reimbursement

Pre-approved transportation costs to attend in-person meetings will be reimbursed by Island Health.

Background

Recent patient safety events involving septic patients has led Island Health leadership to recognize sepsis as an organizational priority. The Director and Medical Director of Medicine Quality has been asked by leadership to create a working group to address this clinical problem in the acute care setting. Other working group members will include nurses, allied health professionals (i.e. Respiratory therapy), physicians, managers, directors, and other supports such as professional practice and communications. A draft terms of reference outlining the scope of work and key deliverables will be shared ahead of the first meeting. At the initial meeting, working group members will be asked to provide input and make recommendations for changes.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Ashley Clark
Engagement Leader, Patient & Public Engagement | Vancouver Island
250.812.8908
aclark@bcpsqc.ca

From Our Community

Nancy J. Wood

Patient Partner, Sidney

Nancy J. Wood

I was thrilled to discover the Patient Voices Network, where the array of places to be the voice of a patient is vast and incredibly interesting. Besides my ongoing “gig” with the BC Emergency Medicine Network, I have enjoyed being involved in several one-off initiatives. I love working with professionals who genuinely value the perspectives of their patient partners.