Lived experience of patients, caregivers and communities

We’re at an important time in the evolution of how healthcare is delivered, from doing “to” patients, to doing “for” patients, and now to doing with them. Centring lived experience is about valuing the needs and expertise of patients, families and caregivers and collaborating with them as partners throughout their care journey. This is especially important for those who have been denied access to culturally safe or equitable care. Respecting all lived experiences is a key part of ensuring everyone in Canada has safe, high-quality healthcare. 

By working together with patients, caregivers and communities, improvements can be made throughout the healthcare system that lead to better outcomes and experiences for all.   

Healthcare Excellence Canada is committed to meaningfully integrating lived experience perspectives into all of our initiatives through active listening, engagement and collaboration. We continually strive to understand what matters most to patients, caregivers and communities, and work alongside them to co-develop and co-deliver initiatives that reflect those priorities. Specifically we: 

• foster meaningful engagement, guided by principles that ensure we engage with purpose, integrity and authenticity 
• strengthen the role of patients, essential care partners and communities by building and supporting engagement-capable environments across health systems
• learn alongside patients, and co-create resources and educational opportunities for healthcare leaders, providers and patient partners aimed at building our collective capacity for patient engagement approaches that are equitable and inclusive
• act as a connector and conduit for knowledge sharing and collaboration to advance engagement and partnership approaches for improvement
• continue to grow a community of patient partners and advisors with diverse experiences, backgrounds and needs