What we do

The Patient Voices Network (PVN) enables patients, families, and communities to participate in health care system change by providing the following:

Community Building

PVN members represent a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and age groups, but they all share a commitment to working collaboratively and within the system toward positive change. Network staff are active in the community and attend local health fairs, wellness events, and community gatherings to spread the word about the Network and the opportunity to have a voice in how health care is delivered in BC. Once part of the Network, members also have opportunities to connect with each other face-to-face, by phone, and online to share experiences and learnings.

Skill Building

The Patient Voices Network offers ongoing learning opportunities to help patients strengthen skills and learn more about relevant health care topics and resources.

To become an activated patient and be eligible for the widest variety of placements, patients attend a free in-person orientation to learn more about their role as a patient partner. The orientation provides an introduction to the PVN, an overview of the public engagement spectrum, and an opportunity to hear from experienced PVN members.

Support

Once a patient is matched with an opportunity, PVN staff will ensure they have the information, briefing materials, or background they need to feel confident and prepared to participate. PVN staff can also provide coaching specific to each type of placement – whether it’s giving a speech or being part of an advisory committee.

Both patients and providers receive ongoing support from PVN staff, as well as follow-up evaluation to ensure that expectations were met and the experience was valuable for everyone involved.

Watch this 7-minute video featuring patients and partners talking about their experiences with the Network.