Mount Saint Joseph Hospital (MSJ) & St. Paul’s Hospital (SPH) – Family Voices for Delirium & Dementia Care

We are working on a Knowledge Translation Challenge project in the MSJ & SPH Acute Medicine departments focused on helping to prevent confusion and disorientation (delirium) in older patients, and bring comfort to patients with dementia.

Many older patients, especially those living with dementia, can become confused or anxious in hospital, particularly when family members can’t be at the bedside. Familiar voices can be comforting. For this project, families will record short, reassuring messages for their loved one, such as reminders of where they are, words of comfort, or happy memories. These recordings can be played during moments of confusion or distress, or when family can’t be present, helping patients feel connected and supported.

We are looking for patient and family partners to help guide this work. Your lived experience will help us:
• Understand what types of messages are most comforting and appropriate
• Decide how and when to invite families to participate
• Ensure the process feels practical, meaningful, and person and family-centred

See Additional Posting Information section for logistics.

Logistics
1. Engagement starts March 2026.
2. About 5 virtual meetings (1 hour each) in 2026 to plan implementation.
3. In late 2026, email feedback on documents (e.g., family consent form, recording scripts, pamphlets, posters).
4. (Optional) Opportunity to co-present project at conferences.

Honoraria will be provided if this project is funded by the KT Challenge.

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Level of Engagement

This opportunity is at the level of Collaborate on the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.

Eligibility

• Willing & comfortable to share health care experiences in a group setting
• Specific health care experiences [details below]
• Have access to technology and the internet to participate in the engagement opportunity
• Comfortable using technology to attend online/virtual meetings
• The time to participate in the engagement opportunity
• Family members of patients who are older adults (aged 65 or greater) with dementia or are at risk for delirium and have been hospitalized in acute care hospitals.

Patient Partners ARE NOT required to be PVN members to participate in this engagement opportunity.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Kathy Le Clinical Nurse Specialist - Medicine Older Adult, Acute Medicine Program | Providence Health Care kathy.le@phc.ca

Interested?

Apply by February 04, 2026.

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