Member, Northwest BC Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient Advisory Committee

Have you been impacted by heart disease (angina, heart attack, heart failure or cardiac arrest) either as the individual in need of care or as an individual supporting someone in need of care? If the answer is yes and you would like to share your thoughts on the needs and interest in a cardiac rehabilitation program, and help identify research priorities in the Northwest region, then this is the opportunity for you!

Open to: Patient partners in the Northwest region (Terrace and surrounding communities)

Lead Organization or Department

University of Northern British Columbia

Aim

The aim of the Patient Advisory Committee is to understand the needs and interest for a cardiac rehabilitation program to serve individuals living in or around Terrace, as well as identify research priorities surrounding this topic. We want to make sure our research includes the voices of Patient Partners because you are the experts in your own care. As a member of the Patient Advisory Committee, you will share your unique perspectives and experiences and contribute to exploring the needs of cardiac rehabilitation services for people with heart disease.

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

Open to patient partners in the Northwest region (Terrace and surrounding communities) who:

• Have lived experience of heart disease (which includes: angina, heart attack, heart failure and cardiac arrest), either as an individual who has heart disease or as an individual who supports someone with heart disease
• Are comfortable working in large groups
• Are comfortable in providing recommendations based on their lived experience

If you have a strong interest in this work but have not yet completed a PVN orientation and volunteer agreement, are unsure if your experience is a good fit or feel another format of engagement would work better with your availability, please contact the engagement leader directly.

Logistics

• Vacancies: 10
• Date and time: June 7 from 4-6 PM
• Location: UNBC campus, 4837 Keith Avenue, Terrace; attendance can be in person (preferred) or via teleconference
• Commitment: one time engagement with the potential for future meetings (up to one year)

Reimbursement

Pre-approved travel expenses and child care as per UNBC reimbursement policy. Dinner will also be provided.

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program consisting of exercise, education, and medical assessment that individuals with heart disease are encouraged to participate in. Cardiac rehabilitation improves an individual's health outcomes and reduces their risk for future heart problems. Currently, there are no cardiac rehabilitation services offered in the Northwest of BC. Our research team led by Chelsea Pelletier, PhD and Denise Jaworsky, MD are interesting in understanding the needs and interest in developing cardiac rehabilitation services for individuals living in Terrace and the surrounding area. To ensure patient voices are included, a Patient Advisory Committee has been developed to ensure patients are involved in discussing the needs for cardiac rehabilitation services and identifying research priorities for future studies regarding cardiac rehabilitation. Health care providers who provide care to individuals with heart disease are also invited to share their perspectives and experiences. Additionally, we are hosting an optional research skills workshop on June 8th from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm at the UNBC campus in Terrace. PVN Patient Partners are encouraged to attend as it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in health research. Patients can expect to learn how patient journey maps are used in health research and how to create them, as well as learn how patients can be partners in health research.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Cassy Mitchell, Engagement Leader, Patient and Public Engagement.
Northern Interior
250.279.0717 | cmitchell@bcpsqc.ca