Monday, January 30, 2012
When health is language!... A question of quality, safety, legitimacy and ethics
The CNFS launches new training and awareness materials to improve the offer of French-language health services
Ottawa, January 30, 2012 - The Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) is proud to unveil new training materials produced as part of its Training for an active offer of French-language health services project, made possible thanks to funding from Health Canada. These new educational tools are intended to enhance CNFS programs by promoting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable graduates to act with conviction and confidence, as well as to strengthen French-language health services in Francophone minority communities throughout the country.
Since 2008, the CNFS has conducted two studies on this issue, performed a review of existing literature and tools, and held meetings with more than a hundred key players from all over the country and from various health sectors (students, health professionals, teachers, researchers, directors, managers and decision-makers) in order to identify the materials to be developed and the most appropriate tools. The CNFS, along with a team of experienced collaborators, used these data to develop the excellent printed and audio-visual materials unveiled today. Included in these materials are testimonies from nine Francophone patients and their families, who experienced difficulties in health facilities in a number of Canadian provinces.
“Pain, vulnerability and stress can sometimes make it difficult for people to communicate in their second language, even if, under normal circumstances, they are fluent in both English and French. This can have a direct impact on their safety and on the quality of care that they receive.” says Ms. Jocelyne Lalonde, Executive Director of the CNFS and the Association des universités de la francophonie canadienne.
“We are very proud of the quality and the relevance of this new training and awareness tools. We believe they will be as useful for students in health programs, their teachers
and their internship supervisors as for working healthcare professionals, health facility managers and all other stakeholders working in the field,” continues Ms.Lalonde.
The CNFS is a pan-Canadian group of eleven colleges and universities offering French-language education in various healthcare disciplines, and six regional partners, which facilitate access to these training programs. The CNFS also has a National Secretariat in Ottawa, which plays a leadership and coordination role. This strategic alliance is well positioned to increase the presence and support of French-speaking healthcare professionals and researchers in order to improve the quality of healthcare service offerings that are adapted to the needs of Francophone minority communities. CNFS programs and initiatives are made possible through funding from Health Canada as part of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013.
For more information about the CNFS, please visit the website at www.cnfs.net.
Information:
Caroline Gagnon
Communications Director, CNFS
Tel.: 613-244-7837 ext. 226
Cell.: 819-661-7888
cgagnon@cnfs.net
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