Description

Patient Partners are members of the public who assist in the practice and learning sessions by being available to speak to and be examined by our students. There is no prior training or experiences necessary to be selected to join the Programme, all we ask is that a Patient Partner be willing to help, reliable and most importantly have a good sense of humour!

Patient Partners may role play a health problem from a scenario (short description of symptoms and how they have been affecting you, as well as a social and medical history) so that medical and dental students can practise interviewing patients away from the hussle and bussle of a busy hospital ward. Patient Partners may also be used for non-invasive procedures/examinations (for example, the taking of a blood pressure, listening to a patient’s lungs or having joints examined/put through normal movements).

There is no prior training or experiences necessary, all we ask is that you are willing to help, reliable and most importantly have a good sense of humour! Good support is provided to all volunteers and all help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

For more details please contact us at Email: patientpp@abdn.ac.uk or Tel 01224 437887. Further information about volunteering with us is also available at: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/suttie-centre/clinical-skills/patient-partner-programme.php

Organisation aims and objectives

Would you like to help train the medical staff and healthcare professionals of the future? The Patient Partner Programme at the University of Aberdeen assists in providing ‘real life’ learning opportunities where students can gain confidence and competence possible in a safe and simulated environment. Volunteers (Patient Partners) give a little of their time to act as ‘Teaching Patients’, to assist medical students improve their communication and examination skills.

Frequency and commitment details

Flexible times available to suit volunteers-all help is greatly appreciated.

Restrictions

We are currently only looking for anyone under 45 and men of any age.
Experience required: There is no prior training or experiences necessary, all we ask is that you are willing to help, reliable and most importantly have a good sense of humour!
Travel details: Usually you would come to the Clinical Skills Centre, based in the Suttie Centre on the Foresterhill site. Occasionally, you may be asked to help elsewhere on site. If you incur travelling expenses, we do reimburse you.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses are paid every 4 weeks, allowance is paid per mile travelled by car or travel tickets reimbursed. You are provided with refreshments before each session. During student examinations, you are provided with refreshments during breaks.
Training details: Excellent support and relevant training provided to all volunteers. You can have as much training as you feel that you need before you see any students. We also meet regularly after you see students for more training and to review how you feel that you are getting on. We do run larger group information-giving group sessions. Once a year we also organise a ‘Thank You' lunch for all volunteers. A representative from the medical school makes a thank you speech and lets you know of any relevant news.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet