A new guide developed by patients, for patients, is helping people across the Kootenay Boundary feel more confident and informed as they prepare for and recover from surgery.
Released by the Kootenay Boundary Patient Advisory Committee and Community (KBPACC), Patient Pathways: Surgery offers practical tips, clear explanations, and trusted local resources to support patients and families at every step of the surgical journey — from diagnosis to recovery at home.
The guide was developed in response to community feedback calling for a more comprehensive, accessible resource to support patients through the full surgical journey. With contributions from patients, family members, practitioners, and partner organizations across the region, the guide reflects the collaborative spirit of Kootenay Boundary healthcare.
“The best surgical outcomes happen when patients, healthcare teams, and communities work together,” said local family doctor Dr. Kevin McKechnie.
“This guide is a valuable tool for that collaboration.”
Patient Pathways: Surgery is part of KBPACC’s ongoing Empowering the Citizen Patient initiative — a project focused on amplifying patient voices and supporting meaningful engagement in healthcare. By equipping people with the information they need to ask questions, make decisions, and plan ahead, the guide aims to help individuals take charge of their health and care.
“I navigated my surgery without a resource like this, and it was overwhelming at times,” said one local surgical patient.
“I can only imagine how much smoother the journey would have been with a guide to prepare and support me.”
The guide is available online at kbpacc.ca/community, along with links to additional resources and a patient discussion forum.
To support the launch, KBPACC is hosting a community Zoom webinar on May 8 at 5:00 PM (PT).
The event will introduce the guide and explore how it can help patients and families feel more informed and supported — from initial referrals to recovery at home.
It’s a chance for community members to connect, learn from one another, and ask questions during a live Q&A.
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