Patient Engagement Action Team Advisor

Background: 

The Oxford and Area Ontario Health Team (Oxford OHT) is a team of local health professionals, organizations, and community members. We work together to improve the health and social system in Oxford. We want to create a network where patients have access to the right care, the right team, and the right care setting when they need it.

As part of our commitment to a meaningful partnership with community members, we are recruiting individuals to join the Oxford OHT Patient Engagement Action Team (PEAT) as advisors. PEAT members can be patients, advocates, clients, families, caregivers, people with lived experience, and other citizens who are passionate about improving health and social service delivery in Oxford. PEAT members will serve in an advisory and decision-making capacity to make recommendations on matters that impact the experience of patients, clients, caregivers and families receiving care within Oxford. PEAT members work within the OHT’s scope of work. 

The primary purpose of this role is to gain patient and public insights into health and social services and delivery through a system-level lens. Please note that these positions are volunteer roles. See our remuneration policy. 

Qualifications:

• Over the age of 18;
• Have had experience interacting with health services in Oxford or insight on barriers to interacting with health services in Oxford;
• Resides, receives care, or is a caregiver/family member to an individual who receives care in Oxford within the last 2 years;
• Committed to the Oxford OHT’s mission and values (collaborative, accountable, respectful, adaptable and person-centred); and
• A desire to help improve health and social services and delivery in Oxford.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Regularly participate as an active member of the Oxford OHT’s PEAT. Attend monthly meetings either in-person or virtually 
• Tell your story and share your point of view, if comfortable
• Advocate for patient, advocate, family, and caregiver needs from a system-level perspective
• Identify what you would like health services to look like in Oxford. Identify what projects you would support
• Respectfully listen to and appreciate the views of others

Member Expectations:

• Commit to participating in the Oxford OHT’s PEAT for a period of 2 years (with the possibility of extending your term)
• Participate in at least 75% of meetings per year. The Oxford OHT’s PEAT meets monthly for 1.5 hours. (Approximate 3-5 hour commitment each month. You may choose to be involved in additional working groups and committees.) 
• Read meeting materials in advance of the meeting. Come to the meeting prepared to contribute and discuss agenda items
• Respect the collaborative process and understand that final decision-making related to process improvements is the responsibility of the Oxford OHT’s Leadership and Strategy Council
• Sign a confidentiality agreement to maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational sensitive material. 

Our Commitment: We Will

• Explain internal processes and terminology as needed for clarification and understanding. Onboarding includes an acronym and terminology document 
• Assist with any technical issues with attending meetings.
• Provide a safe space for you to contribute and be respected for your insight.
• Work with you to address any questions or concerns related to involvement.
• Provide initial orientation and training, as well as ongoing training (where required) to ensure you are ready and comfortable to actively participate.

Characteristics of a Successful Member

• Respectful of others and their perspectives
• Ability to see the big picture beyond their own experience
• Non-judgmental with a positive attitude
• Team player
• Desire to learn
• Desire to help create meaningful change
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient and organizational information