Speakers
Description
OHTs are built on a strong foundation of engagement with patients, caregivers and community. It is important to extend that strength into our work as a BPSO OHT. East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) has evolved its BPSO OHT structure to include a community co-lead for its steering committee and has established a community engagement plan as part of its annual work plan. Our initial approach to guideline implementation was organizationally focused, however, over time we have recognized that the BPSO OHT model enables a wider lens for understanding and addressing gaps in evidence-based care.
ETHP community engagement and community leadership has a role across all activities of guideline implementation. Community members help OHT teams to understand gaps in care from a patient and caregiver perspective and advocate for the needs of the community. They play a role in co-designing educational materials for both providers and patients in support of BPG recommendations. Community members can serve as champions for disseminating resources and tools that support evidence-based care and can ensure that materials are culturally relevant to communities we serve.
Our communities are key to the “social movement” to impact real, sustainable change as we work toward more integrated and effective care. Working with communities requires a strong infrastructure for engagement and a commitment to anti-racism, equity and inclusion. The ETHP journey has demonstrated the value of community leadership in BPSO OHT work.
Keywords
community engagement, inclusion, BPSO OHT
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Marie-Chantal Ethier MSc
Margery Konan MPA
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is this work related to:
Leading Change Toolkit
Person and Family-Centred Care BPG
Transitions in Care and Services BPG
| Organization Name | East Toronto Health Partners |
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