Research Partner, Assessing Birth Control Counselling in Bariatric Surgery Clinics

Almost 80% of Canadians choosing bariatric surgery are women and for some, the decision to have this surgery impacts the safety and timing of future pregnancies. Help a research team to better understand the information women need to make an informed decision.

Open to: Patient partners across the province

Lead Organization or Department

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia

Aim

Patient partners will assist in identifying questions for a survey and focus group to help researchers understand what women need to know about the impact of bariatric surgery on reproductive health, as well as birth control options. Patient partners will also be invited to assist in designing a strategy to recruit future study participants (other women of child-bearing age choosing bariatric surgery).

Level of Engagement

This opportunity is at the level of involve on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will involve patients in planning and design phases to ensure ideas or concerns are considered and reflected in alternatives and recommendations.

Eligibility

• Women of child bearing age from across the province that have had bariatric surgery, or are considering it.
• Extensive experience or knowledge of research is NOT required (support will be provided by the research team).
• If you have a strong interest in this opportunity 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 Leah Smith directly.

Logistics

• Vacancies: 2
• Time: Meetings will be scheduled during regular business hours. Those who cannot participate during this time should still apply as it may be possible to contribute via email.
• Location: Meetings will be held at the BC Women’s Hospital, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver. Those outside of the Greater Vancouver Area may participate by conference call.
• Commitment: Approximately 3-4 hours per month until January 2018 (3 months).

Reimbursement

Parking and mileage will be reimbursed for patient partners who live in Greater Vancouver and attend in-person. No out-of-pocket expenses are anticipated for those who participate by teleconference.

Background

The goal of this research project is to assess birth control counselling in bariatric surgery clinics to see if it is meeting the needs of Canadian women who have bariatric surgery. A survey will be conducted at multiple Canadian bariatric surgery clinics to ask women about their experience with birth control counselling during the preoperative period. Focus groups will also be held to talk to women about what is important to them when choosing a contraceptive method. An additional component of the study involves assessing the knowledge and comfort of bariatric surgery providers with birth control counselling.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Leah Smith
Engagement Leader, Patient and Public Engagement | Southern Vancouver Island
778.678.3977
lsmith@bcpsqc.ca