Volunteer Opportunity – New Brunswick Health Research Network

The New Brunswick Strategic Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Network in Primary and Integrated Community Health Care (herein referred to as the Network) is an interdisciplinary research network that is seeking a minimum of five (5) adult volunteers to be part of the NB SPOR Network.

Led by a tripartite leadership team (a policy maker, a clinician, and a researcher), the Network consists of health professionals, decision makers, health researchers, citizens, patients, caregivers and others who are working together to identify, implement, evaluate and distribute innovative approaches to improve patient health and health system outcomes in primary health care. The Network is focused on patients of all ages who have complex needs, and is committed to building integrated patient and family-centred care and prevention strategies within, across, and beyond the health care system.

The Network is part of the nationally funded Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) SPOR initiative. The patient-oriented research that is conducted through the Network is aimed at improving diagnosis, management and treatment so as to enhance health outcomes. The research is also aimed at helping the provinces and territories ensure rapid access to high-quality and cost-effective health care, and to make that care available in a manner consistent with Canadian values.

Volunteer Positions:

Individuals with patient/care-giver experience will join the Network as stakeholders and will be asked to serve on one of several governance committees to provide input to and help support the Network by providing their perspective and ideas.

Function:

The overall purpose of this volunteer opportunity is to be a full member of the Network and assist in some or all of the following tasks:

• Vetting of research proposals
• Setting research priorities
• Finding sources of funding for projects
• Reporting and performance measurement
• Knowledge translation, including engagement of the broader public
• Increasing human resources for research
• Working across disciplines and sectors
• Policy development
• Other issues raised by the Network

Term:

Two (2) year term beginning April 1, 2016.

The Network will have a face-to-face meeting once or twice a year, and additional meetings as required depending on the committee schedule (could be monthly).

We are looking for New Brunswickers with one or more of the following:

• Experience with different aspects of the health care system (primary care, emergency services, long term care, mental health etc.) as either a patient or caregiver.
• Experience accessing services in other sectors (such as education, housing or social services) for themselves or a family member.
• Experience and/or interest in Research, Knowledge Translation or Patient Engagement
• An interest in reducing the burden faced by people with complex needs and in increasing the effectiveness of the health care system.
• A broad sense of the challenges and opportunities that face health care within Canada and specifically New Brunswick.
• The ability to share perspectives and a willingness to view them in a broader context.
• The ability to listen to all perspectives in an honest and respectful way.
• A demonstrated sense of community, volunteerism and citizenship.
• Good communication skills.

Support:

Orientation will be provided prior to a face-to-face meeting in the Spring of 2016 to ensure that everyone understands their role, the decision-making process and the expectations for working together equitably.

Expenses related to attending Network meetings will be reimbursed, subject to University of New Brunswick policies.

Please note: These are volunteer positions. If this opportunity is of interest, please send a resume or CV and cover letter explaining why you are interested and why you believe you can provide valuable input and support to the Network by March 15, 2016.

This posting will remain open until the position(s) is filled. Applications will be considered as they are received. For more information, or to apply, please contact Andrea Bowes, at andrea.bowes@unb.ca

* Click here to download a printable copy of this opportunity.