Earlier this month, the movie To Err is Human was screened at the University of Washington.  The movie tells the compelling story of our hospital medical system and how important patient safety is.  Although we have made some progress, we still have a far way to go.  On the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Medicine report that shines a light on medical errors and harm in the hospital, we should remember that it should be up to all of us to focus on patient safety.  I believe that health advocacy starts with: 
  • People  Understanding what is important to them as it relates to their medical choices they have when navigating the health care system,
  • Identifying Support for the choices we make and,
  • Assuring that our wishes are met.
Partnering powerfully with our medical providers and being active in saying what we want and need when we are a patient is a good first step.  If you missed the UW screening, you can watch the movie (for a small fee) through YouTube at https://www.toerrishumanfilm.com/ 

Please also consider attending the Northwest Patient Safety conference May 7, where the topic will focus on Compassion and Communication - definitely an area where we all can learn to do better!

Here's to your good health,

Robin

Robin Shapiro
WASHAA Board Chair
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Webinar is April 4th at 11am PT!

When:  April 4, 2019 | 11:00am - 12:00pm (PST)
Where: Online via Zoom -  Register Here

About the Presenter:
Io Dolka is passionate about helping people obtain an accurate diagnosis and manage their complex conditions. Her drive can be traced back to her own decade-long medical struggles, going from health to bed-ridden sickness and back. A pioneer in the advocacy industry, she is the Founder and Chief Care Advocate of GreyZone, LLC., co-founder and past Executive Director of WASHAA, and an active member of the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine, Patient Engagement Committee.
Objectives:
  • Recognize when to seek a 2nd opinion
  • Explain the steps needed to obtain one 
  • Discuss approaches to identifying the right 2nd opinion provider(s) 
  • Identify ways to use the 2nd opinion for better care
Continuing Education Information:
  • This program has been approved for 1 CEUs by the NASW Washington State Chapter for Licensed Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors are eligible. Provider number is #1975-343.
  • This program complies with WSNA for Continuing Nursing Education for individuals whose professional practice is in the field of gerontology.
  • This program complies with DOH WAC 246-843-130 for continuing education for Nursing Home Administrators
  • This program complies with DOH WAC 246-809-610 for continuing education for Licensed Mental Health Counselors

NOTICE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVAL-18008
WASHAA Webinar, "Second Opinion: When, Why and How to Obtain One" is approved for 1 CE by the Patient Advocate Certification Board to satisfy the requirements for Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA).

WASHAA Member Trudy James will be celebrating the 4th Anniversary of her film, Speaking of Dying. 

When:  April 27, 2019 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Where:  Northwest Film Forum | 1515 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

To follow Trudy's work, check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/speakingofdying/

The event will show us how compassion fits into every aspect of care and includes breakout sessions covering topics of empathetic engagement with patients, compassionate care for caregivers, innovations in improving diagnoses, a special track on communication & resolution implementation following adverse events, and more, with each talk introduced by a first-hand patient story.  Patients can attend for just $45.



Join experienced advocates working in the Northwest who are interested in sharing success and challenges in working in the field for networking, light hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Ever thought it might be nice to partner with another advocate to cover client load or be a back up to cover for you when you travel? Are you considering a job in health or patient advocacy and want to learn more about what the field is all about? Join advocates and other professionals who support advocates and patients for a peer-to-peer sharing event. Bring questions, challenges and success. BRING YOUR TICKET!! 

The next quarterly Networking Meeting will be: 
  • Sept 25
  • Dec 3
WASHAA Calendar
April 4 - Webinar: Second Opinion
May 16 - Networking Meeting
June 12 - The ABCs of an Effective Doctor Visit (Greenwood Senior Center)
Sept 25 - Networking Meeting
Oct 17 - WASHAA Annual Meeting [Topic: Understanding Pain & Healing]
Dec 3 - Networking Meeting
 
WASHAA Members News
Final Roadmap is a secure, comprehensive online guide and toolkit for all end of life issues. It  encourages people to consider, document and share instructions and wishes. 

We are so pleased to welcome  Steve Byrne  and his business Final Roadmap as a Partner Member. Final Roadmap  helps prevent emotional and financial hardship for loved ones in stressful times. The focus is on those decisions which can be anticipated and cause the most unnecessary pain and waste. Advocates can be instrumental in ensuring that patients are prepared for the time when they will be unable to speak for themselves.  You can find Steve on our website here: 
http://www.washaa.org/washaa-health-advocates-directory-325426.html#!biz/id/5c76c8d9afd691851d66ea9e

Ever wonder about what a death doula does?  WASHAA Member Crystal Flores  offers the End of Life - Doula class and The Death Intention workshop once a month: Doulagivers Level 1 is the 1st Sunday of each month. Death Intention is the 2nd Sunday of each month. 

New Technology You May Be Interested In
"The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) launched a new mobile app to help patients be more engaged in their own healthcare. The Question Builder app, available at no charge for smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers on iTunes and Google Play, helps patients prepare and organize questions and other helpful information prior to medical visits."  

Although WASHAA speakers can give presentation on many topics, here are a few of our popular presentations: 
  • Advance Care Planning (Just added in partnership with Honoring Choices)
  • Taming Your Medicine Cabinet (New in 2019!)
  • The ABCS of a Successful Doctor Visit
  • Patient Know More...Patient No More!
  • The Emerging Field of Health Advocacy 
  • Safe & Sound in the Hospital: A Short Course in Patient Safety 
  • Volunteer Health Advocate Training: Understanding the Role & Skills to Be Effective
To schedule a speaker for your community, please submit your request here:  http://www.washaa.org/request-a-presentation.html

Have a topic you wish we offered? Let us know - let's talk!
Do you have something you would like to share with the WASHAA community?

Please submit ideas to 


Washington State Health Advocacy Association
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