The Inspiring Journey of a Tireless Advocate for Patient Safety

Episode description:  

If you or a member of your family have ever been affected by medical errors—a serious public health problem and a leading cause of death in the U.S.—you should know about Pulse: The Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy. In today’s episode, Ilene Corina, the Founder and President of Pulse, will talk about her decades-long journey advocating for patients, sitting at their bedside, working with families and a host of experts and providers, dedicated to building a health care system that is better and safer for everyone. Pulse’s work is important for patients of all ages, but especially for older people, who often may not always be able to advocate for themselves. Ilene will describe the wide range of Pulse training and education programs, classes and workshops designed to empower patients and their families—like the Healthcare Equity Project that explores challenges faced by vulnerable populations; and the unique TakeCHARGE Campaign that works directly with the general public BEFORE people become patients, teaching them how to take charge of their own health care decisions. Research shows that when patients are engaged in their health care, there can be measurable improvements in safety and results. Ultimately, Pulse’s mission is not about health, but health CARE, the journey to better health—a collaboration of patients, families, volunteers, advocates and safety organizations. When it comes to Pulse’ work in the community, Ilene says, our motto is: We Listen, We Learn, We Lead.

Guest description:

Ilene Corina’s interest in studying patient safety began in 1996, following a series of family medical experiences in the early 1990s. A few years later she formed a nonprofit organization called Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy, which has been a leader in providing patient safety training and discussion programs, including advocacy training for families and the community, promoting healthcare equality, and bedside advocacy services. Ilene attended the National Patient Safety Foundation/American Hospital Association Patient Safety Fellowship in 2010.  As a fellow, she developed the Healthcare Equality Project focusing on patient education and advocacy, representing groups such as people with disabilities, people who are transgender, Hispanic/Latino, people with diseases such as lupus, HIV/AIDS and many more.  A Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Ilene has more than 1,000 hours as a bedside advocate and continues to visit hospitalized patients regularly, helping their families to be advocates. Ilene was a board member of the National Patient Safety Foundation from 2002 through 2017, and a board member of The Joint Commission from 2005 through 2018. She developed the national TakeCHARGE Campaign, has authored three books, and is a contributing author to Elsevier’s Patient Safety in Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal. Ilene lives on Long Island where she was raised.

Contact: icorina@pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilenecorinapatientadvocate/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilenecorina/

Twitter: @icorina