Patients First Playbook

Anita David, Peer Researcher

After 104 days in hospital due to mental health issues and a surgery that left her in a coma, Anita wanted nothing to do with the medical system. Then she discovered that as a patient partner she could influence change. Since 2017, Anita has been involved in 10 committees / research projects and has no plans on slowing down. She discovered her passion for working in mental health, reducing stigma, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Jessica Webb, Aboriginal Infant Development, YWCA Crabtree Corner; Research Assistant, UBC

Warrior Women's Wellness Program is a Trauma and Violence Informed Physical Activity Program created by and for pregnant and parenting women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES).  Jessica Webb will share how community-based research informed the program, the highlights and the lessons learned.

Carolyn Canfield, Citizen-Patient

After her husband’s unexpected hospital death just eight days after successful surgery in 2008, Carolyn rose above tragedy to learn about safety and changing culture for better experiences for patients and for health care workers. Her contributions exemplify the value of partnerships that integrate patient expertise with care providers’ vigilance, proficiency and accountability.

Henry Wu, BSN student, UBC Nursing

This year’s addition to The Still Here Project highlights the photographs and stories of 22 gay and bisexual men living with HIV whom have struggled with suicide. Through their efforts, Henry and the Men's Health Research team hope to further the conversation about mental health and suicide.

Manpreet Thandi, MSN alumna, UBC Nursing

This presentation highlights key findings from a qualitative research study using PhotoVoice methods. UBC Nursing almna, Manpreet shares how this research extends the knowledge base around intersections among older men, physical activity, and masculinities; and provides a glimpse of the diversity of older men and the need for physical activity programs that are unique to individual preferences and capacities.

Mario Gregorio, Patient Research Partner; 
Dr. Lillian Hung, Alzheimer Society Postdoctoral Fellow; Clinical Nurse Specialist, Older Adult Mental Health, VGH; Clinical Assistant Professor - UBC Nursing

Mario will share why and how he contributes to dementia research. Joining him Lillian will show how Paro, a social robot, may contribute to dementia care - what worked, where, and how. Her work suggests matching patient needs and the technological solution is vital to knowledge adoption.

Dr. Colleen Varcoe, Professor, UBC Nursing

Our research has shown that equity promoting care requires trauma and violence informed approaches, cultural safety and harm reduction and that such care improves patient outcomes. Our team has mobilized this knowledge for diverse health care contexts through innovative online modules and practice tools.

Dr. Sabrina Wong, Professor, UBC Nursing

Transforming the way the primary health care system operates (organization and delivery of care) requires input from those whom it is meant to serve: individuals, groups and populations. To date, measuring patient experiences lags behind. More attention needs to be paid to capturing patients with complex intersecting health and social problems that result from inequitable distribution of wealth and/or underlying structural inequities.