Patient and Family Engagement
At Sinai Health we know that input and insight from patients and families is essential to improving patient experience and outcomes.
Current opportunities
We are looking for a diverse group of patient and family advisors to share their experiences to help us improve the health-care experience for all. We can support participation with access to technology, education on using technology, and tips on how to share your experience. We can also explore ways to remove barriers to support your involvement. Our area of focus for 2024-2025 include recruiting members for:
Dementia Caregivers Advisory Council
We want to recruit diverse council members who have supported individuals with dementia in accessing care at Mount Sinai Hospital. The council will provide insight and guidance to explore opportunities for quality improvement to better meet the needs of patients and caregivers of individuals with dementia.
Emergency Department
We are recruiting patients and family caregivers with recent (within the past two years) experience with the emergency department at Mount Sinai Hospital. An advisory council is one way Sinai Health establishes a link between patients, caregivers and the hospital, providing a safe space to provide feedback and suggestions to guide quality improvement, policies and practice. The council is over Zoom for one hour, meeting eight to 10 times annually.
Impact of patient and family engagement
Patient and family advisory councils (PFACs) have been invaluable in supporting the design and delivery of care at Sinai Health. Partnering with patient and family advisors is an approach to delivering patient and family-centred care. The collaboration between patients, families and health-care practitioners is essential for continuous safety and quality improvement.
Frequently asked questions
You can apply to be an advisor if you or a family member received care at one of our hospitals (Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital). We will also connect with community stakeholders for guidance and advice on programs and projects.
You do not need any special qualifications to be a partner. Your experience is what is most important. We will provide you with any training or onboarding you might need.
Advisors have the opportunity to use their experience in receiving care from Sinai Health and/ or experience in the health-care system to improve the experience, quality and safety of care for other patients and families. Our patient and family advisors receive:
- Ongoing support and training
- Opportunities to attend hospital special events, workshops and presentations
- Opportunities to network with other patients and families
- Free parking
We know that input from patients and families help to improve the experience and outcomes. When you volunteer as an advisor, you can offer your support in many ways, such as:
- Share your experience
- Participate in a discussion group
- Review or help create materials (brochures, posters, education pamphlets)
- Work on short-term projects
- Serve on an advisory council
- Support individual departments or programs
- Participate in staff and student orientation
Being a patient and family advisor may be a good match with your skills and experience if you can:
- Share suggestions and potential solutions to help improve care for others
- Talk about your experience but also think beyond your personal experiences
- Talk about both positive and negative care experiences and share your thoughts on what went well and how your experience could have been improved
- Partner and work with diverse people, including abilities, lifestyle, spiritual views, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
- Listen and bring a positive attitude to discussions, even if you disagree
- Keep any information you may hear private and confidential
Our patient relations team is the best place to start if you have a concern. You can contact them here:
Phone: 416-586-4800 ext. 5066
Email: [email protected]
For more information, you can connect with our Sinai Health Patient and Family Advisor Program:
Phone: 416-461-8252 ext. 2029
Email: [email protected]