Alberta Health Services - North Zone | Patient Engagement


Volunteering as a Patient and Family Advisor is a unique opportunity to help shape health care in Alberta.

For our purposes, Advisors are generally referred to as individuals with either a patient or family-related experience with the health care system. They volunteer not only their time, but also their insights and unique perspectives that come from their personal health care experiences.
 

What is the role of an Advisor?

Advisors bring the voice and perspectives of patients and families to the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of healthcare to ensure those perspectives are included in everything we do.

Types of involvement depend on an Advisors interests, experiences, and availability and may include:

  • e-advisors | occasionally reviewing or contributing to one-time requests such as completing online surveys, reviewing a draft brochure or patient education materials;  
  • occasional contributors | providing important feedback by participating in collaborative discussions, focus groups, one-time planning sessions or patient journey mapping; 
  • sharing patient experiences | sharing personal experiences with health care providers, leaders and staff to help better understand the patient experience and view their work through the eyes of the people they serve;
  • regular contributors | volunteering as a member of a quality improvement working group, advisory council, planning committee, or other partnership opportunities to bring the patient and family voice to the forefront and help to influence and guide strategies and planning.

I would like to volunteer

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Patient and Family Advisors | FAQ

What are the qualities of an Advisor?

If you're considering volunteering as an Advisor, consider whether or not you have an interest and ability in sharing your healthcare experiences in ways that others can learn from, as well as whether or not you:

  • can see beyond your personal experiences;
  • are a good listener;
  • can act to advise the improvement process rather than seek to influence an outcome;
  • respect the perspectives of others;
  • are interested in working collaboratively with health care leaders and providers to improve care and experiences for patients and families throughout Alberta.

How do I find out more information?

If you would like to learn more please email VolunteerResources.Engagement@ahs.ca

 

How do I get involved?

If you think this is right for you and you're ready to get going, just follow these simple steps: 

Step 1: Click the [Fill in an Application] button on the right-hand side of this page and complete an application form. 

Step 2: We will review your information and be in contact with you to arrange a 1:1 chat to learn more about your interests, and to give you an opportunity to get your questions answered.  

Step 3: If it's a fit, join us for an introductory session or 1:1 discussion (depending on where you live) to begin learning more about the role of Patient and Family Advisors, the onboarding requirements, and volunteering with Alberta Health Services. 

Step 4: Complete volunteer onboarding including:
  • Providing two (2) references
  • Confidentiality and Privacy Training
  • Signing a Confidentiality Form 
  • Completing a photo and media consent form (optional).
  • Completing a Communicable Disease Assessment Form (if required).
  • Providing a Police Information Check (with VSS if required). 

 

Step 5: Learn how to use our volunteer system, how to sign up for opportunities and how to enter volunteer hours.  This can occur during or after onboarding is complete, we will provide you with a 'Welcome' package of information to review and video tutorials to watch as well as dates and times to join us for live training sessions by web conference. 

Step 6: Using our matching process, we will begin sending you suitable opportunities for involvement when they become available.

If you've opted in to receive updates we will also send you relevant newsletters and email updates.

 

How do I volunteer at a hospital in my area?

 

If you want to volunteer in a hospital volunteer position at a patient care location, please apply directly to Volunteer Resources at the hospital of your choice.  

You can find contact information by clicking this link:

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/volunteers.asp