Patient Advocacy Volunteer in Emergency Research Services
PAVERS is a patient advocacy volunteer program in which participants gain patient interaction experience and learn about medicine through emergency department observation, possible assistance with
research, and a series of lectures. Participants act as volunteers within the emergency department, assisting patients, physicians, and nurses. PAVERS occasionally participate in the research projects being conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine
by collecting data from patients. In doing this, PAVERS enroll patients into research studies in which the patients answer a series of simple questions. The studies are undertaken within the emergency department in order to promote socially responsible medicine
and to study basic human issues in medical care. Highly motivated volunteers may have additional future research opportunities. It should be noted that PAVERS should expect the majority of their time in the program interacting with patients and Emergency Department
staff.
In order to be considered for the PAVERS program, candidates must submit an online application form at the bottom of this page. After applications are received, some applicants will be granted interviews.
Please read all the information and policies before you apply, as PAVERS has become an increasingly competitive program and requires a substantial commitment from volunteers.
PAVERS are required to commit to volunteering for a minimum of one
academic year or a minimum of 100 hours. PAVERS does not take
place during the summer. The time commitment is two four-hour
daytime shifts per week, or one eight-hour overnight shift every week (open to returning PAVERS, or after one term of involvement), plus one two-hour monthly meeting. In general, the following blocks of time are available for volunteer shifts seven days per
week:
Four-hour shifts : 8am-12pm,
12pm-4pm, 4pm-8pm, 8pm-12am
Eight-hour shifts : 12am-8am
Please consider that all rules and
attendance requirements for the program will be strictly enforced. Failure to abide by the rules will result in participants termination from the program. Shift requirements are subject to change.
One of the possible other tasks of a PAVER is to assist with ongoing Department of Emergency Medicine research studies. These research studies, some of which go on to be published in medical journals,
are created and directed by Departmental faculty and resident physicians. Each study explores a different topic, but all share a common goal of gaining a better understanding of medical and social issues affecting Bellevue Hospital Center emergency patients.
The knowledge gained from participation in research study provides insight into basic human issues concerning patients, and offers answers about how to improve patients' experiences in the emergency
department. In addition, information from certain studies can also be used in order to seek grants. The money from these grants is directed toward meeting the specific needs of Bellevue's emergency patients.
The application to the PAVERS program is now open. The
application process is described here.
Should you have any questions, please email Anthony Orneta at [log in to unmask]