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Advanced Curriculum

Changing Policy

Eight one-hour collaborative classes over a 4 month semester. Classes will focus on the following topics.

Canadian Health Care System

In this class, we will discuss in more detail the different entities at the federal and provincial level in the Canadian health care system (Health Canada, CADTH, PMPRB, Provincial Ministries, pCPA, INESSS, etc) and the role patient advocacy groups can have in shaping legislation.

Communications: With Policy Makers, Insurance, Etc.

Not all treatments approved by Health Canada are accessible to all patients. This class will focus on best practices to communicate with policymakers and insurance representatives so that they understand the patients’ perspective in relation to their interests.

Treatment Availability: Options Outside Canada

We will also continue our discussion on investigative therapies, with a focus this week on global companies and clinical trials and how patients can get access to treatments developed outside of Canada.

Clinical Trials: Patient Access

Clinical trials are fundamental to the development of new and improved treatment options. In this class, we will discuss ways your advocacy group can help patients who want to participate in clinical trials.

US Health Care System

In this class, we will discuss the different entities in the US health care system and the role patient advocacy groups can have in shaping legislation and making an impact.

Treatment Availability: Options Within Canada

This class will review how medicines get approved and distributed in Canada. We will also discuss the important role that patient groups can play in advocating for investigative drugs and off-label medications.

Communications: Written Requests, Lobbying, Public Speaking

It is imperative for those working for an advocacy group to have strong communication skills in order to make lasting policy changes. In this class, we will hone these communication skills by introducing you to common scenarios you will likely encounter as a patient advocate.

Review and Final Exam

The final class will consist of a 30-minute review of key concepts covered in this program using a case study example. That will be followed by a 30-minute written exam.

After completing the core curriculum, specialize in one or more of the advanced areas.

Core Curriculum

Introduction to Patient Advocacy

This course will introduce students to the core concepts and skills needed to be a professional patient advocate in North America.

Advanced Curriculum

These courses will provide students with advanced concepts and skills to be professional patient advocate. The three different themes will focus on three common themes that patient advocacy leaders in North America generally concentrate on:

  1. management/leadership
  2. changing policy, and
  3. advancing research.

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