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- Talk
- UK
Capturing Positive Change: Lived Experience Relevance to the Coproducing Approach
Description
In this insightful presentation, Cristina Serrao, a lived experience ambassador within NHS England, opens up about her personal health journey and the importance of co-production in healthcare. With a candid acknowledgment of her nerves due to the presence of her surgeon, she introduces her role and the significance of her lived experience as a patient advocate. Cristina discusses the objectives of her team, emphasizing the need for diverse representation across the country to improve patient networks and access to healthcare. She highlights the necessity of continuous evolution and openness to challenges in their collaborative approach, aiming for co-production to become the standard practice in healthcare rather than an exception.
The presentation delves into the meaning of lived experience versus learned experience, stressing that both forms enrich the conversation in healthcare settings. Cristina encourages active participation from individuals with relevant experiences, reminding attendees of the importance of avoiding assumptions about others' perspectives. She illustrates the value of creating a culture of co-production, where everyone’s voice is amplified, and collaboration is prioritized. By offering practical insights on how to involve diverse voices and support them effectively, including through training and opportunities to lead, Cristina emphasizes a compassionate and empowering approach to patient engagement. She wraps up her presentation by reflecting on the impact of digital connectivity in enabling wider participation and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her journey and insights.