Should Patient Volunteers Get Paid?

Should Patient Volunteers Get Paid?

There is much debate online about whether or not patient should receive financial compensation for volunteering. Particularly when it comes to speaking at conferences or sitting on a healthcare committee, where everyone else in the room is being paid to attend. It’s about valuing and respecting patient voices, and the time they give (preparing, travelling, meeting).

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The Mental Health Struggles of Pregnant Moms, That No One Talks About

The Mental Health Struggles of Pregnant Moms, That No One Talks About

When people think of pregnant women they often have images of a woman with a round belly, big smile on her face and laying in a field of flowers. Okay, maybe that last part is only reserved for television commercials. However, this carefree, happy impression of pregnancy leaves many women feeling inadequate for being anything less than joyful.

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Warning: Working on Your Weaknesses Can Sink Your Career

Warning: Working on Your Weaknesses Can Sink Your Career

While I usually write about patient advocacy, bear with me as this blog post is aimed at helping you grow professionally and personally. And by focusing on our strengths we can be stronger advocates or healthcare professionals.

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How to Advocate for Your Child With Special Needs

How to Advocate for Your Child With Special Needs

Raising a child with special needs takes patience, love, hard work and a lot of advocacy. When your child is young you are their voice, and as they grow up you become your child’s megaphone. Here are some tips to help you advocate for your child (so you can avoid banging your head against a wall).

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The Power of Thank You Notes

The Power of Thank You Notes

In a world of electronic communications, we rarely receive handwritten notes or letters. Yet there is great power in not only taking the time to send a personal note, but also letting the recipient know how grateful you are for the support or service they have provided. And guess what? You’ll feel good in the process.

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Don't Be Afraid to Get Personal

Don't Be Afraid to Get Personal

Having recently presented to a provincial government finance committee supporting a funding request, I was reminded of the importance of sharing our personal stories. It brings a human face to often complex issues. And reminds people of the true value of programs and services - to help people!

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Engaging Patients Will Help Improve the Quality of Healthcare

Engaging Patients Will Help Improve the Quality of Healthcare

A recent article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal recognized the importance of engaging patient voices in healthcare. While this is great news for those of us working in patient advocacy, there is still a long road ahead to truly create patient and family centred care where all voices are heard.

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It’s Time to Train Medical Students in Patient Engagement

It’s Time to Train Medical Students in Patient Engagement

If we truly want to create patient and family centred healthcare, we need to make sure patient engagement is part of on boarding medical students as they begin their placements in hospitals. They need to understand how the organization includes patient stories and their role in patient engagement.

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