HISTORIC TRIANGLE – Historic Triangle residents can now take a survey on their healthcare experiences and perceptions about Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. The survey, developed with support from two William & Mary associate professors, is part of the work of the hospital’s new 21-member Community Council.
According to a news release from Monday, the council’s goal is “to help hospital leaders better understand perceptions in the community about access to care, health outcomes, and the consumer and patient experience across the Historic Triangle.”
The council is a committee of the hospital’s standing advisory board, with representatives from nonprofits, faith-based organizations and government agencies that serve communities who may face healthcare barriers or haven’t had their concerns heard.
Chairperson Fred Liggin, a pastor and co-founder of faith-based organization 3eRestoration, led the process for survey question submission. He commended Sentara’s efforts to listen to community members “whose voices have been historically marginalized, so every neighbor is seen and heard.”
The two William & Mary professors helping to draft the survey are Elyas Bakhtiari and
Scott Ickes. Bakhtiari is the Director of the Schroeder Center for Health Policy, with research focused on health disparities and social policy. Ickes specializes in public health and nutritional epidemiology.
The pair drafted a scientific survey to help identify barriers to care as they are perceived by members of the community, based on the council’s initial questions.The survey is available in Spanish and can be shared electronically through a QR code. William & Mary students will be recruited to help reach target populations.
“This is an opportunity to listen, learn, and deepen our understanding of the diverse lived experiences in our community,” Loren Smith, vice president of operations for Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, said in the news release. “We can create more inclusive pathways to care, and better support the health and well-being of every person who turns to us.”
The survey will be available through fall.
