My role as a patient partner…

This week I have a bit of something different to share, and actually mutually beneficial.

I am, for the first time properly sharing with you what I do for the guideline committee for the EAES, and more importantly what you can do to get involved as well.

I have found using my survival, and personal experience with colorectal cancer, for the future benefit of others very helpful to me as part of healing from my own trauma.

It’s given me purpose and focus. And I’m very pleased to say that now you can get involved too;

*I do want to point out that this isn’t a gateway to get better immediate treatments for yourself or loved ones. It’s about making future patient’s lives easier and better.

Also, this is Europe wide, so no matter where you live, if you’re interested in becoming a patient partner, please contact me to have a chat about it.

Short Guide: The Work of EAES and the Guidelines Committee

About EAES

The European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) was started in 1990 and has become a dynamic organization leading the way in endoscopic surgery and related techniques. We focus on advancing surgical practices through education, training, research, and innovation. Every year, EAES hosts a major European congress in a different city, showcasing the latest advancements and research in the field.

Vision:

• Safe and sustainable surgery for everyone.

Mission:

• Provide continuous education and quality assurance to improve patient outcomes.

• Promote innovative technology in surgical healthcare.

• Uphold values of equity, honesty, transparency, and respect for patients, members, and the environment.

• Focus on patient safety, innovation, quality, sustainability, and training.

EAES has nearly 3,500 members from over 110 countries, reflecting its global reach and commitment to improving surgical care.

 

Guidelines Committee;

As a patient partner on the Guidelines Committee within EAES, I'm part of a team that works to shape the future of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS).

Vision:

• To improve MIS quality and increase the use of clinical practice guidelines in Europe and around the world.

Mission:

• Involve surgeons, patients, and healthcare authorities in creating EAES guidelines.

• Standardize methods to ensure guidelines are high-quality and reliable.

• Spread the word and encourage the use of EAES guidelines in clinical practice.

• Be a go-to source of information for all practitioners in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS).

What We Do:

1. Create Guidelines:

  • Work together with surgeons, patients, and healthcare experts to create practical, evidence-based guidelines.

  • Ensure guidelines are useful and easy to understand for widespread use.

2. Maintain High Standards:

  • Use strict methods to ensure our guidelines are top-notch.

  • Keep guidelines up to date with the latest research and patient outcomes.

3. Spread the Word:

  • Promote the use of EAES guidelines across Europe and beyond.

  • Create educational materials to help healthcare providers implement these guidelines.

4. Share Information:

  • Serve as a central resource for information on MIS practices.

  • Foster knowledge exchange among healthcare providers to continually improve surgical care.

Current Need: Due to the specific guideline topics under review, we're looking for a wide range of patients with different experiences to join us. This will help us ensure that we have the right people ready to contribute where they can add the most value.

Get Involved:

• Patient partners are essential for providing insights and feedback, ensuring guidelines are centred around patients' needs.

• You can join focus groups, advisory panels, and help develop and review guidelines.

Benefits:

• Make a real difference in the quality and safety of surgical care, putting patients at the heart of the guidelines.

• Collaborate with a diverse group dedicated to improving MIS practices.

• Contribute to guidelines that help patients worldwide.

• Support Available: We are a friendly bunch and offer full support to all our patient partners. Whether you need help understanding medical terms or guidance on how to contribute, we're here to assist you every step of the way.

• Travel and Accommodation Covered: We cover all travel and accommodation expenses for any in-person events or meetings.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Suzanne Doré at suzanne_dore@msn.com

Join us in our mission to improve surgical outcomes and drive innovation in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

For more information, visit EAES guidelines committee

Decisions are now taken on next year's topics:

  1. Laparoscopic vs open surgery for small bowel obstruction.

  1. Management of cholecystitis.

So, if you are interested in hearing more about how the patient partner/representative works please get in touch. Especially if you have experience in either of these particular topics. We will always endeavour to choose the people with first hand experience.

You don’t need to have had stoma surgery. But experience of bowel surgery is preferred

These meetings will take place in February and May in Athens. Travel expenses are included.

The meetings are very important, and interesting. You will get to meet some wonderful, warm people.

Meet the team…

Contact me on here, or via email

suzanne@gladragsandbags.org

Or via social media.