BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2021 • 25
Lucas Cheong (videographer) and Zel Bockneck, SAGE volunteers
In addition to promoting better patient care, SAGE is
a highly unique program that's also brought global
recognition to Baycrest.
This program is one-of-its-kind because it is
comprised of older adult volunteers. In addition,
the SP program offers knowledge exchange within
the healthcare industry.
The SAGE program has contributed to international
publications and presentations. SPs recently were
part of a panel at an international conference
for Simulated Participant Educators and created
a documentary about the program, available on
YouTube. The SAGE curriculum has been adopted
by the Fenway Institute in Boston and incorporated
into modules on working with older adults in the
LGBTQ+ community. To date, this training has been
accessed by over 200,000 healthcare workers in
the state of Massachusetts.
It's not an easy thing to be an SP. All new Baycrest
volunteers participate in a one-on-one screening
interview by Volunteer Services. Those who are
identified as a good fit for SAGE are further
vetted for essential SP qualities and invited to an
orientation session.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SP?
Key traits include an understanding that they are
contributing to a service for learning professionals.
Volunteers should be creative, adaptable and
willing to listen to direction. SAGE is looking for more
volunteers with a variety of diverse backgrounds. To
learn more about becoming a SAGE volunteer, please
contact Baycrest Volunteer Services at 416-785-2500,
ext. 2572 or email volunteer@baycrest.org.
Several new projects await the SPs as some face-to-
face simulations are resuming safely. We are looking
forward to continuing this well-established program
to enhance training for better patient care.
In addition to promoting better
patient care, SAGE is a highly unique
program that's also brought global
recognition to Baycrest.
