A Canadian Partnership of Patient/Citizen Groups and Government: Engagement in National Health Initiatives and Policy Discussions

Kovacs Burns KA¹*

1. University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Patient and citizen groups from across Canada expect to be ‘engaged’ in discussions and decisions regarding Canada’s health care reform. Many chronic disease and non-government organizations such as the Best Medicines Coalition of Canada, along with Health Canada, health professional associations, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders, came together at a National Health Summit in January 2004 to discuss the development and implementation of a partnership and framework for patient s, citizens, and government.

There are several outcomes, including (1) development and implementation of a patient and citizen partnership and engagement framework; (2) formation of a partnership among patient and stakeholder groups, Health Canada and other organizations; (3) implementation of patient and citizen representation on Health Canada advisory committees, and for strategic planning discussions; (3) coordination to address twenty-nine outstanding recommendations from the National Health Summit 2002, primarily concerning the drug review process; and (4) improvement of communications from government to all stakeholder groups.

A partnership among patient and citizen groups, government, and other stakeholders is a good beginning to implementing a framework for meaningful engagement and discussion of health and health care policies. In addition, consultation has started on a training program for patients, consumers, and citizens to be prepared as representatives on decision-making committees. These processes will be evaluated, but more needs to happen for effective partnership outcomes.

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