What is the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)?
The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a collaborative working group composed of current and former patients, family members, and caregivers who are working together to carry out the best practices of PCC, to promote a culture of PCC, and incorporate patient and family perspectives into the creation and shaping of programs, services, and initiatives across HMC.
What are the roles of Patient and Family Advisors?
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Providing Feedback: The Patient and Family Advisors play a crucial role as the “voice of the patients”, providing essential guidance to hospital administration by sharing invaluable feedback on hospital services, policies, and materials, ensuring they align with the needs and preferences of patients and families.
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Participating in Committees and Meetings: The Patient and Family Advisors’ firsthand perspectives are instrumental in shaping decision-making processes throughout HMC hospitals where PFAC is established. They actively engage in regular meetings focused on patient experience topics.
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Improving Communication: The Patient and Family Advisors advocate for better communication between patients, families, and healthcare professionals, by sharing their personal experiences, helping to ensure that care is more personalized and transparent.
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Engaging with Staff and Leadership: The Patient and Family Advisors collaborate closely with healthcare teams to co-design program initiatives and patient materials, develop strategies, and propose improvements for existing processes and services at HMC.
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Assisting in Education and Training: The Patient and Family Advisors contribute to staff training programs, sharing insights on how healthcare professionals can improve patient care and better meet the needs of patients and families.
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HMC’s PFAC Corporate Committee: Members of this committee represent their PFAC groups and convey feedback to HMC’s executive leaders, ensuring that patient and family voices are incorporated into corporate-level decision-making. This collaboration helps inform decisions, shape policies, enhance service delivery, and improve the overall patient experience throughout the organization.
