On October 24th, 2017, Health Quality Ontario will host Health Quality Transformation 2017 (HQT2017), our sixth annual interactive conference for patients, caregivers, members of the public, health care providers and system leaders. The focus of our conference this year is Quality Matters: the health system quality framework on how to realize excellent care for all.
In partnership with over 40 patient advisors, the HQT2017 program is designed with patients, caregivers and the public at the forefront of every aspect of the daylong event.
The Planning Committee for HQT2017 is made up of Health Quality Ontario staff and two lead patient advisors. The committee is an integral part in the development of all aspects of HQT2017.
14 breakout sessions have been developed in partnership with one patient advisor, including defining areas of focus, content, format, moderator and speakers. Where appropriate, sessions will also feature a speaker with a patient, caregiver or person with lived experience perspective.
Moreover, Health Quality Ontario invites the submission of abstracts aligned with how to build a quality system, and support the advancement of a just, patient-centred, and high performing health system committed to relentless improvement at the local, regional and/or provincial level. Abstracts will be featured in breakout sessions or as posters. 15 patient advisors reviewed abstracts submitted under the “Engaging Patients and the Public” category.
Presented at HQT2017, the 2017 Minister's Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety provides an opportunity to recognize system champions who place the patient at the centre of the circle of care. This year the theme of the Medal is "Patients as Partners" and a patient, family and caregiver award has been introduced to recognize patient advisors for their role in supporting quality improvement in the health system. Three patient advisors sit on the selection committee for this award.
For the first time this year, patients will be asked to take on the role of Patient Ambassador, a role to help conference delegates navigate the day of the event. From wayfinding, to providing information, Patient Ambassadors will help play a critical function to help delegates feel welcomed and comfortable.
HQT2017 also features several networking opportunities allowing patient and family advisors from across our health system to come together to share experiences and best practices, including a luncheon co-designed by two patients to celebrate the successes of patient advisors in improving health quality and to consider the building of a provincial network of patient advisors.