Patient and Family Advisor Councils, and other types of Council members when their term is up

[Annette McKinnon]

I wonder how many people who are on hospital councils and other bodies with Quality Councils and groups that are similar feel the loss when their terms are up? After devoting so much time and energy they are suddenly unencumbered.

It's possibly easier in a large center where there are more opportunities to get involved than in a smaller center.

Do any of you think that this is an issue?

Annette

[Samira Chandani]

When on a council or other body - apart from contributing, many patient advisors may also find a community and a sense of belonging.

When the term is up - I think it can be an issue if the patient advisor feels - she/he does not have another opportunity to contribute / make a difference and "belong" to another community

[Amy Ma]

Succession planning is something that always needs to be somewhere on the radar. I notice the Canadian Medical Association officially recognizes their Past President, the current President, and the President-elect.

You don't want to lose wealth of knowledge a patient advisor gains during their tenure, so I agree, Annette, that it is an issue.

Then again, with variations in funding, capacity and organizational culture, I am sure things are all over the map when it comes to giving new opportunities to a PFAC member once their mandate is up.