Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)
What is a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)?
The Patent and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a group of volunteers and members of hospital staff. Each PFAC member (advisor) has experience as either a patient, family member or caregiver at GSPP and wants to work collaboratively with hospital staff to improve the patient and family experience.
What is the purpose of our PFAC?
The purpose of the PFAC is to discuss important issues pertaining to the delivery of care for patients at GSPP. Advisors have the opportunity to contribute your perspective regarding the issues discussed and partner with GSPP staff to improve the patient and family experience.
How is GSPP developing the PFAC?
A Steering Committee, consisting of community volunteers and GSPP staff members, has been formed to guide the development of a GSPP PFAC. The Committee has been working in the areas of Council Structure, Communication, Advisor Recruitment and Advisory Onboarding.
Mission
The mission of the Advisory Council is to create a collaborative impact for our patients and community members that improves the quality and safety of care and promotes an organizational culture that is person and family-centered through active partnerships with patients, families, caregivers and hospital staff.
- Advise improvement initiatives to impact:
- Patient Safety
- Quality of Care
- Patient and Family Experiences
- Effective Communication, Research and Education
- Employee and Patient Collaboration
- Staff Development.
- Advise on systems, structures and resources that support family presence and participation.
- Share health care experiences to help inspire, empower and promote patient and family-centered care.
- Promote the GSPP organizational mission to create world-class, patient-centered rehabilitation and post-acute care services by defining evidence-based practice and fully integrating care throughout the continuum.
- Embody the GSPP organizational vision: Partnering to realize life’s potential.
Advisor Description
- Have experience as a patient, family member or caregiver of a patient at GSPP.
- Be willing to share their story with diverse groups.
- Create and maintain effective working relationships with other GSPP advisors and staff.
- Interact and communicate well with diverse populations.
- Have the ability to express ideas and information in a constructive manner.
- Be able to work well in group settings, and in some instances work independently on projects.
- Be a creative yet critical thinker supporting the implementation of solutions.
- Have an earnest commitment to forward thinking in an effort to advance the work of the council and GSPP.
Advisor Duties
- Actively participate in the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and attend at least 9 of 12 monthly meetings designed to improve the safety, quality of care and overall experience for patients and families.
- Participate in designated hospital wide committees related to patient safety and patient experience to provide the groups with important feedback from the Patient Family and caregiver perspective.
- Assist in the coordination, dissemination and presentation of information related to committee work.
- Assist in evaluating services, programs and educational material.
- Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.
- Maintain annual requirements as needed.
Membership
Diversity of Patient Advisors
- 15 – 20 Advisors
- Represent Inpatient and Outpatient GSPP Programs
- Cultural and Religious Background
- Racial and Ethnic Background
- Socioeconomic and Education Background
Internal Members
- 4-10 Members
- Providers
- Nursing (Rehab and LTACH)
- Therapy (Inpatient and Outpatient)
- Patient & Guest Relations
- Case Management/ Social Work
- Support Services (Security, EVS, FANS)
Structure and Meeting Format
Committee Member Roles
- Co-Chairpersons (1 Staff and 1 Volunteer Advisor)
- By-laws Coordinator
- Communications Coordinator
- Secretary
- Advisors
Meetings
- Advisors to Attend at least 9 of 12 Monthly Meetings
- 90 Minute Video Conference – 6:30 – 8 p.m.
- One Time Staff Presentations – Advisor Feedback
- Request for Advisor Participation in Ongoing Projects
Terms
- Co-Chairpersons – 2 years
- Staff Advisors – 18 months
- Volunteer Advisors – 3 years
Recruitment
The PFAC council has planned outreach and education for staff, patients, family, care givers, and community members. Advisor candidates can be referred to the PFAC Co-Chairs for initial interview, and a recruitment committee will be formed within the PFAC for continuous outreach and education.
Onboarding as GSPP Volunteers
Orientation
- PFAC Advisors will receive a volunteer packet (including information related to HIPAA, Standards of Excellence, Emergency Preparedness and Infection Prevention) that will be reviewed in person or via email.
- Advisors will receive an onboarding packet for the PFAC, including copies of the by-laws and meeting schedule.
- Advisors will be paired with an existing PFAC Advisor for mentorship during the initial 3 months.
Any questions can be directed to [email protected]