Integration of the patient, caregiver and community voice into paediatric care, education and research: the SickKids model of advisor-centred engagement.

backgroundPatient engagement within healthcare institutions is growing, with studies outlining its relevance and impact on clinical care, education and research. Literature exists on the engagement of patients in specific contexts; however, articles on engagement models, which centralise these practices at the institutional level, are limited. This article addresses that gap by describing the development and implementation of the SickKids Model of Advisor-Centred Engagement, an institution-wide approach to integrating the voices of patients, families and communities across clinical care, education and research at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Historically, engagement practices at SickKids were siloed and inconsistent, thus limiting the potential for meaningful partnerships. To address these challenges and drawing on existing frameworks and extensive stakeholder consultations, the SickKids Model of Advisor-Centred Engagement and a centralised Office of Patient, Family and Community Engagement were established. MAIN BODY: The SickKids Model prioritises advisor-centredness, efficiency, sustainability and scalability to foster meaningful collaborations across the institution. Core elements include the Engagement Incubator, a space for training, knowledge sharing and capacity building, along with centralised resources to streamline advisor onboarding, honourarium processes and engagement practices. During its first year of operations, the Office has supported numerous engagement activities, developed inclusive policies and offered training to staff and advisors. Metrics to assess implementation and impact are being developed, including measures of engagement reach, satisfaction, capacity building and methodological contributions to patient-oriented research practice. Learnings to date highlight the importance of institutional commitment, dedicated resources and cross-departmental collaboration in embedding engagement at a systemic level. Challenges remain, including managing increasing demands for engagement support and developing robust evaluation metrics.

conclusionThe SickKids Model of Advisor-Centred Engagement moves engagement beyond project-level approaches to the implementation of an institution-wide framework for coordinated, scalable and sustainable engagement across clinical care, education and research. Initial findings suggest that implementation of a centralised infrastructure can support cross-domain learning, reduce fragmentation and strengthen organisational capacity for meaningful engagement. This model may serve as a blueprint for healthcare institutions looking to embed engagement practices at the organisational level, thereby ensuring that lived experiences inform clinical care, education and research.