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Patient and Family Advisory Council

Partnering with Patients, Families and Caregivers to Enhance Care at HCHS

Patients and their families are knowledgeable members of the care team and can offer unique perspectives and valuable feedback about their local health care experiences.

A Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a council of current and former patients, family members and caregivers that works together to advance best practices at a hospital or health care organization. Volunteer patients and families collaborate with employees (clinical, administrative and support) to provide guidance on how to improve the patient and family experience.

Why should I apply to join HCHS PFAC?

What is important to you during your health care experience? What do you wish the health care team knew? Through HCHS’s patient and family advisory council, your opinions and feedback are not just heard, they could be put into practice. This is your opportunity to be actively engaged as a volunteer in helping HCHS put patients first and continuously improve the safety and quality of care.

What is the purpose and responsibilities of PFAC?

As a member of HCHS’s PFAC, you will:

  • Provide continuous feedback to HCHS to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and patient service
  • Transform the culture towards patient- and family-centered care
  • Continuously address health disparities and equity in care
  • Strengthen understanding and cooperation between patients, families, and staff
  • Share insights about HCHS’s strengths and areas where changes may be needed
  • Establish a link between the hospital and the community at large

Are there PFAC qualifications?

There is no special qualifications or expertise necessary to be a patient or family advisor. What is important is an individual’s experience as a HCHS patient or family member.

As in any community group, it will be necessary and appreciated to know that you:

  • Are willing to talk about their experiences and can effectively share insights and information
  • Demonstrate a passion for improving health care for others
  • Have the ability to listen well, respect other perspectives, interact with many different kinds of people and work in partnership
  • Enjoy working with others, show a positive outlook on life, and bring a sense of humor

Are there PFAC membership requirements?

HCHS would ask that members commitment to regularly attend meetings of the PFAC. Meetings will be approximately 1½ to 2 hours every other month. There may be other various project meetings. HCHS also would appreciate your willingness to participate in the council for a 1½- to 2-year term.

HCHS would also require that you take the physical and immunizations required by HCHS to protect the health of everyone and agree not to disclose confidential information given to you as a member of PFAC.

PFAC Council Team Members

PFAC team members will be

  • Patient volunteers
  • Family member volunteers
  • HCHS Staff

What Might PFAC Members Do at a Meeting?

  • Share health care experience with doctors/ providers, staff and other PFAC members
  • Participate in group discussions to talk about ideas for how our health care organizations can improve care, quality, safety, and services
  • Provide insight from the patient and family perspective about policies, care practices, and patient education materials
  • Identify patient and family needs and concerns
  • Serve on subcommittees and workgroups to help bring the patient and family perspective to these efforts

PFAC Projects

Priorities of PFAC’s focus can be limitless. Some Ideas may include:

  • Bedside reporting
  • Remodeling projects
  • New brochures
  • Signage
  • Dietary options for inpatient
  • Registration/Billing options
  • Anything that involves the patient experience

PFAC Application/Interview Process

  • If interested, you will need to fill out an application
  • Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted
  • You will be notified if you have been selected to serve as a member

APPLICATION

 

Questions?

For more information, contact:

Angela Lappe, Process Excellence Coordinator:


Email: lappea@mercyhealth.com


Phone: 641-843-5158

or

Michele Garman, Quality Assurance Director


Email: michele.garman@mercythealth.com


Phone: 641-843-5240