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Patient Partner, Outpatient Liver Clinic, Remote Patient Monitoring Project

Posted • Last updated

Closed

Commitment: Long-term

Connection method: Virtual

Open to Vancouver Island Region

Last updated

Volunteer Opportunity
Do you or someone you care for have liver cirrhosis? We are looking to hear from you about an exciting new Liver Clinic in Victoria! This clinic will be 90 percent virtual and will use technology to help support patients in their homes. We’re seeking patient partners to engage with this Remote Patient Monitoring Project before and after the new Outpatient Liver Clinic launches. We expect to open the clinic this fall.

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Lead Organization/Department
Island Health, Virtual Care in collaboration with Ambulatory Care Services

Aim
In the fall of 2021 a new Liver Clinic will open. Its goal is to provide support to patients living with liver cirrhosis. It also aims to improve their quality of life and decrease the need to go to hospital. This Remote Patient Monitoring Project will work with the patient partners before and after the new clinic launches. Patient partners will attend team meetings twice a month. We would like patient partners to provide their feedback and ideas on a patient assessment questionnaire and clinic documents. We would also like patient partners to provide input on the remote monitoring features.

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 from: Vancouver Island region
• Experience as a patient with liver cirrhosis or as a caregiver to someone living with liver cirrhosis
• Comfortable attending meetings virtually over Zoom
• Comfortable providing feedback and sharing personal health care experiences
• Comfortable trialing a technology system
• Experience receiving virtual care, such as telehealth or virtual care are an asset, however this is not a requirement

• 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 Charmaine Niebergall directly to see if accommodations may be possible.

Logistics
• Number of vacancies: 2
• Date/Time: 2x per month, date and time to be determined (frequency of meetings may increase in September due to the new Outpatient Liver Clinic launch date)
• Location: Virtually using Zoom
• Commitment: August to November 2021 (4 months, with a possibility of extension dependent on program launch timelines)

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
Within the Island Health region there is limited outpatient support for people living with liver cirrhosis. There is also limited support for caregivers who provide care and support to loved ones with liver cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis are often admitted to hospitals. They may also have difficulty accessing care. Virtual Care and Ambulatory Care Services are working together to increase access to care. This fall the team will launch the new Liver Clinic in Victoria. Patient partners will play an important role in helping make this clinic success.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Charmaine Niebergall
Engagement Leader, Patient & Public Engagement | Vancouver Island
778.700.2064
cniebergall@bcpsqc.ca

From Our Community

Cherie Mercer

Patient Partner, New Aiyansh

Cherie Mercer

I have learned so much about innovation and capacity building by being part of PVN. I signed up to build my leadership skills, however, I experience benefits for myself, my community and Indigenous peoples throughout the province. I understand more about the complexities and opportunities required to improve health care.