BackgroundLaunched in 2011, the Patient Access Symposium was the result of leaders in academic ambulatory care wanting to network with one another about access. While performing research for “Mastering Patient Flow: 4th Edition,” the author – Elizabeth Woodcock – reached out to colleagues for their perspective. These early discussions became the source of the original Patient Access Report. Many colleagues provided encouragement in developing a network of professionals interested in this topic. Hence, the inaugural Patient Access Symposium was held on May 19, 2011, drawing attendance from nearly 20 institutions. Participants appreciated the ability to be in a discussion-based forum, basing the moderation of the event off of the interviews that had been conducted in the fall. Elizabeth recognized that the key to success was not only to create a series of speakers to lecture on relevant topics, but to truly understand the initiatives at each institution and encourage participants to share that information. The Emory Clinic hosted the program in 2012, which included a pre-conference program to showcase the institution’s access strategies. The Atlanta-based symposium was held over two days – the first day as a pre-conference followed by a networking social event, and then the main forum taking place on the second day. After carefully reviewing the evaluations from both programs, Elizabeth solidified the model:
The Patient Access Symposium has had the great fortune of having incredible host institutions year after year. They bring passion for improvement to each event and provide unparalleled knowledge and expertise. 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 In the fall of 2018, the Patient Access Symposium changed its name to the Patient Access Collaborative, reflecting who they had truly become. The Patient Access Collaborative has donated more than $5,000 to charities, a gesture to show appreciation to the speakers and hosts who have provided the energy and passion to fuel the group. The Patient Access Collaborative will continue in its current format, with Elizabeth working to improve the value each year. 2022 The 2023 Patient Access Collaborative Symposium will be on May 9-11 with host Michigan State University Health Care in Lansing, MI. |