This is the Year to Have Your Patient Voice Heard!!
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With a new year comes new opportunities to connect with others, gain confidence and have your patient voice heard. Here are some tips to help you in the coming year.
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How to Tell Your Patient Story — and Be Heard!
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Sharing your patient story can be overwhelming, invigorating and terrifying. Here are some tips to help ensure you share your story with confidence, and your audience is clear on the message you are wanting to convey.
Read MoreHow to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety Fast
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As a patient or healthcare professional, there are many times you will be called upon to present. But what do you do if you are one of the 10% of people who have a fear of public speaking? Here are some tips to help you take control of that fear and have more confidence.
Read MoreShould Patient Volunteers Get Paid?
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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).
Read MoreThe Mental Health Struggles of Pregnant Moms, That No One Talks About
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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.
Read MoreWarning: Working on Your Weaknesses Can Sink Your Career
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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.
Read MoreHow to Advocate for Your Child With Special Needs
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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).
Read MoreThe Power of Thank You Notes
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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.
Read MoreDon't Be Afraid to Get Personal
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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!
Read MoreEngaging Patients Will Help Improve the Quality of Healthcare
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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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