The Care and Treatment Committee … essential to the maintenance and improvement of comprehensive care in Canada

PREAMBLE
In our special series of articles on the numerous committees our volunteers sit on, it is our pleasure to now present you the Care and Treatment Committee.

CARE AND TREATMENT COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Care and Treatment Committee is to promote optimal standards and evidence-based comprehensive care for all people with inherited bleeding disorders throughout their lifespans by recommending activities that help the Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS) achieve this desired outcome of its strategic plan. Committee members may be called upon to help deliver these activities or programs.

The responsibilities of the committee are to:

• Provide guidance in the development, implementation and evaluation of care and treatment programs.
• Set guidelines for the review and evaluation of these programs.
• Review, develop, and interpret program policies of the organization and make recommendations for changes.
• Promote the development and updating of evidence-based standards of care in collaboration with the Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada, the Canadian Association of Nurses in Hemophilia Care, the Canadian Physiotherapists in Hemophilia Care, the Canadian Social Workers in Hemophilia Care and other health authorities as appropriate.
• Promote an accreditation process for comprehensive care centres with the goal of respecting approved standards of care. In the absence of a formal accreditation process, conduct periodic assessments of the level of services in consultation with patients and in collaboration with health care providers.
• Provide advice and support to chapters in their efforts to promote optimal care and treatment in the comprehensive care centres in their provinces.

The members of the committee are appointed by the chairperson and consist of members who have special interest, skills or experience in issues related to care and treatment. In choosing members, consideration is also given to chapter and clientele representation.

The term of appointment for members is two years and members are eligible for reappointment for two additional two-year terms. After six consecutive years on the committee, a member can be eligible for reappointment after stepping down for a two-year term. Reappointment decisions take into consideration past participation and contributions. Reappointment is not automatic.

Current members of the Care and Treatment Committee are:

The Care and Treatment Committee has had a sizable impact on the bleeding disorder community by being able to advocate on their behalf for getting access to quality treatments, education and making their health care needs known. – NANCY HODGSON

 

Optimal comprehensive care for bleeding disorders involves an interdisciplinary team. Such a team approach is reflected in the make-up of the Care and Treatment Committee. This committee is important in the maintenance and improvement of comprehensive care in Canada. – DAVID PAGE 

 

Three years ago, I was approached by Pam Wilton to become Chair of the Care and Treatment Committee, and I remember feeling honoured to be part of such an important CHS committee. I was warmly welcomed by David Page and Pam, who kindly eased me into my role, which I appreciated very much.

I am fortunate to chair this team of dedicated and passionate patient advocates and medical professionals who work tirelessly, in the background, to make sure that people with bleeding disorders get optimal standards and evidence-based comprehensive care and best treatment available throughout their lifespans. As a result, the Canadian Integrated and Comprehensive Care Standards for Inherited Bleeding Disorders (2020) have proven invaluable in guiding health care providers in treatment centres, hospital administrations, ministries of health and the patient association in the coordination and delivery of comprehensive care for people with bleeding disorders.

If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to contact the CHS. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated. You would be given an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and work with passionate and dedicated members to improve care and treatment for the Canadian bleeding disorder community. – MILENA PIRNAT