Shared Care Cross Cultural Communication & Inclusion Project – Kootenay Boundary

This Shared Care project is working to improve communication between family physicians, specialists, and patients to create a more coordinated and culturally responsive care experience. We recognize that patients from diverse cultural backgrounds often face unique barriers when navigating the system, including challenges related to language, cultural safety, and understanding care plans.

We are seeking a community member from a diverse cultural background with lived experience navigating the healthcare system in the Kootenay Boundary region. Their insights will help physicians better understand the barriers patients face and inform decisions on improving communication between physicians, specialists, and patients. This input will directly shape strategies to make care more coordinated, culturally responsive, and patient-centred.

Specifically, we are looking for:

-Firsthand experiences and insights on barriers to communication and care coordination.
-Practical suggestions on how physicians can improve their interactions with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
-Honest, real-world perspectives that highlight what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

Level of Engagement

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

Eligibility

• Willing & comfortable to share health care experiences in a group setting
• Have access to technology and the internet to participate in the engagement opportunity
• An interest in improving health care services

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

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Rachel Schmidt
Lead, Shared Care | KB Division of Family Practice
(250) 608-0753
rschmidt@kbmednet.org