Why does public engagement matter? Because your input helps us build better health care for everyone.
- The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) states that understanding the patient experience is integral to improving patient-centred care. And patient-centred care is at the heart of national health care standards.
- Accreditation Canada helps make sure health care organizations provide safe, high-quality care you can trust. They set national standards, check how well organizations meet them, and support continuous improvement so patients, families, and communities receive the best possible care.
Our Top 5 Reasons Why Engagement Matters
Standards for quality health care are built on the idea that patients, families, and communities are experts in their own experiences. Engagement ensures services are designed and improved based on what matters to the people who use them, and here's our list of the top five reasons why.
#1: Care shaped by real experiences
Accreditation Canada standards are built on the idea that patients, families, and communities are experts in their own experiences. Engagement ensures services are designed and improved based on what actually matters to the people who use them—not just internal assumptions. Public engagement opportunities - from online surveys to participation in advisory committees – give you the opportunity to be involved in decisions that shape the services we provide.
#2: Safer, higher‑quality care
Despite best efforts and intentions, the rate of unintended harm experienced by patients in Canadian hospitals has remained stable at 6%. (CIHI) Effective patient communication and engagement are key factors in reducing safety incidents. Accreditation emphasizes patient and family involvement as a key safety strategy. When people are encouraged to speak up, share concerns, and participate in decisions, organizations are better able to identify risks, prevent harm, and improve care transitions.
#3: Greater trust through shared decision‑making
Today, more than ever before, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want and expect involvement in system decisions. At NL Health Services, we believe that engaging patients and communities demonstrates transparency, responsiveness, and respect. When we work with our patients, their families, and the communities we serve, we believe we make more informed and stronger decisions. Patient-centred care includes partnering with patients and families not only in individual care but also in policy development, program design, and quality improvement initiatives. In terms of health information, for example, CIHI reports that: “ A key component of health data stewardship is ensuring that public trust and engagement are embedded in our work through diverse patient and community engagement. This will ensure that how data is shared and used reflects public values, needs and expectations in a meaningful way.”
#4: More accessible and equitable services
Engagement also focuses on ensuring underserved groups have a say. Modern accreditation standards require organizations to understand and address equity, culture, language, geography, and lived experience. Public engagement helps organizations identify gaps and adapt care for rural, Indigenous, and underserved populations.
#5: Better outcomes for patients and communities
CIHI data show that patient experience and outcome measures together drive quality improvement and better system performance across Canada. Public engagement strengthens health system quality because it brings real-world experiences, public values, and community priorities directly into decision-making.
What's the bottom line on public engagement?
• It shows what’s happening in the system, from the patient’s point of view.
• It prevents harm by enabling open communication and shared responsibility.
• It identifies gaps and inequities that data alone cannot uncover.
• It strengthens trust, encouraging people to participate in safety and quality efforts.
• It helps leaders make better decisions.
Your voice matters
Register today to be notified when public opportunities arise.
By the Office of Public Engagement, NL Health Services, 2026
Sources: Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI); Healthcare Excellence Canada; Accreditation Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health