On March 14^th and 15^th Pulse hosted its Family-Centered Patient Advocacy course in Plainview, NY — two days of intensive training on keeping patients safer as they navigate the healthcare system. The participants: 40+ patient safety advocates, ranging from national leaders in the field, all the way to individuals looking to help their families.

Participants from as far afield as Nebraska and Florida learned principles and techniques including improving communication, avoiding bias, “who’s who in health care” and much more.

The coursework and role-play offered to the community since 2006 by Ilene Corina, BCPA, President of Pulse were framed by presentations from three leaders in the patient safety movement, Pulse Board member Caryn Isaacs, Helen Haskell, founder of Mothers Against Medical Error, and Dr. Kristen Miller of MedStar Health, who also spoke at our March 2023 Symposium.

The participants were deeply engaged with the conversations and exercises that are part of the course. Discussion flowed freely and encompassed many perspectives and experiences.

Participants’ comments after the event included, “The stories and lived experiences were inspirational. Many turn tragedy into triumph” and, “The event was full of information I can bring to my clients.”

The event was made possible by generous support from:

Pulse board member Susan Capurso of East End Doula Care is an end-of-life doula and legacy specialist.

Pulse: We know you have done your “East End Doula Care” end-of-life work for some time, but it looks like you offer several other services now?

SC: Yes – these are legacy projects. The most recent is “Forever My Voice”. People tell me they’d give anything just to hear a loved one’s voice again. Forever My Voice allows older people to make a two-hour recording via Zoom of them speaking as if to that person. It’s almost like a love-letter to your loved one. It’s profound.”

Pulse: How long have you been involved with Pulse?

SC: My journey into this field began ten years ago when I tragically lost my husband to the flu. This 55-day experience by his bedside led me to realize the critical need for better support and advocacy in such challenging times. I connected with Ilene Corina of Pulse through a friend's recommendation. Under her guidance, I underwent a transformative weekend advocacy course that profoundly expanded my understanding and skills. I guess I’ve been involved with Pulse for perhaps three years. I believe in what Ilene does, and that we all need this — for ourselves, for our families and friends, or our clients if we are professional.

Pulse: What do you see as your role at Pulse?

SC: At first, I didn’t know how my role would unfold. I did an end-of-life video for the Academy. Then, there were openings on the Board, and Ilene asked if I would step up and help in some way, and things have just unfolded.

Pulse: Suppose you met someone who had never heard of Pulse. What would you want them to know about it?

SC: It’s an enlightening experience to become involved with Pulse, because they’re all about educating you and helping you learn the little nuances of being a personal advocate for a family member or friend. I use what I’ve learned with my professional clients too, as a doula: I needed to learn more about being a person’s advocate, and Pulse is the best way to do that. It’s something that everybody needs to think about.

START WITH FREE PULSE PROGRAMS AND BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT!

Patient Activation through Community Conversations (PACC) is a program where people share their experiences so others can take away important information that would be of benefit to a caregiver or someone recently receiving a new diagnosis or entering the healthcare system. PACC encourages finding solutions through what has worked for others. 

Next PACC is April 3, 2024, 7:00 PM ET 

People for Patient Safety (PPS)

The mix of healthcare professionals and patient advocates makes this program supportive, engaging and educational. PPS is for networking and to build resources and support as an advocate and/or caregiver. PPS is the second Monday of the month 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

The Advocates Collaborative Educational Series (ACES) is a national online program where patient advocates — independent, professional or family caregivers — can learn and grow through educational programs designed to engage participants in thought-provoking exercises.  ACES is the fourth Monday of the month at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

WE WILL SOON BE OFFERING FREE WORKSHOPS ON PROMOTING TAKECHARGE TO THE PUBLIC!

Like what we do? You can help. Pulse is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to raising awareness about patient safety through advocacy, education and support. Donations are tax deductible. Donate or volunteer!

All programs of Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy are about people who may become patients or support patients. Even if you work in healthcare, you may someday be a patient or find yourself advocating for a loved one. Because medical errors are a leading cause of death in the United States, we at Pulse recognize the need for the patient and family to take some responsibility for their own safety. For that reason, all of our programs help to prepare people to become more informed and involved! Visit and learn more here.

Do you and your family want to discuss roles as support for each other? At Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy, we help people who care about each other, care for each other. Consider a free 30-minute consultation about what you can do to help each other. Contact Pulse at (516) 579-4711 or e-mail icorina@pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org