Including the voices of patients and families: A collaborative approach to patient safety [podcast]

In our latest episode of Patient Safety Voices we speak with three patient partners from the Patient Voices Network. 

Sandra Zelinsky, Michel White and Beth Campbell Duke share their personal experiences and talk openly about why partnering with patients and families must be a key priority across our health care system.

 

 

“The team aspect is probably one of the most important things. At the same time, it takes time to build the relationships and the rapport in a doctor-patient relationship and I think that’s important for patients and family members to understand.” – Sandra Zelinsky

 

 

 

 

 

“My medical condition is not who I am but I had to learn that. I had to learn that I am a person, I am a voice. And it’s taken me a while to realize that I had a voice in the medical system.” – Michel White

 

 

 

 

 

 

“That whole experience of having a team, I can’t say enough about it, just from a psychological standpoint of ok, breathe, we’re now here where people have our backs.” – Beth Campbell Duke

 

 

 

 

For more, listen to the full episode: Including the voices of patients and families: A collaborative approach to patient safety

Key takeaways:

1. Teamwork is essential for bringing patients, families and clinical teams together to improve safety and care outcomes.
2. Involve patients in their care planning and listen to their questions and concerns.
3. Care providers: Be supportive of patients and seek to understand what matters to them.
4. Patients: Take responsibility for your health and plan ahead before speaking with your care providers.

Learn more about:

• Engaging Patients in Patient Safety – A Canadian Guide
• Patient Voices Network
• Surgical Safety Checklist  
• SPOR – Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research
• Transplant Rogues (Beth and Tony’s website)