Championing Patient / Family / Caregiver Partnership with Julie Drury

Julie Drury is the Strategic Lead - Patient Partnership for the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement. Julie is passionate about the potential of patient / family / caregiver engagement, partnership and leadership in health and healthcare. As the mother of a child who was diagnosed with SIFD, a rare form of mitochondrial disease, Julie has particular experience in system navigation, complex care, care coordination, palliative care, and patient safety.

Julie bravely shares the story of her daughter, Kate, and her own experiences as a mom with the healthcare system. Julie recounts how Kate received great care as well as devastating harm. This journey has contributed to Julie's path in becoming a passionate advocate for patient / family / caregiver partnership.

With a focus on the opportunity for positive change Julie shares how healthcare professionals and clinicians need to shift their thinking in order to move from a perspective of "doing for or doing to" to one of "doing with". As a true champion for patient / family / caregiver partnership and engagement Julie also highlights how COVID-19 has impacted the lived experiences of patient / family/ caregivers and why we must not lose sight of the important goal of a partnership approach. Julie talks about being "gently fierce" in her approach and how healthcare professionals can lead from a new place.