PFAs from Winship participating in facility design planning of the new Emory University Hospital Tower

Emory University Hospital PFAs participating in facility design planning

Advisors are patients and family members who partner with health care professionals to improve health care quality, safety, equity, and experience. Advisors share their insights and perspectives, identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, and collaborate in implementation and evaluation of changes.

If you are just getting started and don’t know where to begin, think of any process or project undergoing review or that is in the planning phase. Invite and prepare patients and families to participate in a work group. If you have an established patient and family advisory council or experience with advisors, continue to search for opportunities to expand their involvement and roles. IPFCC offers resources to guide you on establishing a successful patient and family advisory program.

Below are examples from the field that showcase how organizations are working with patients and families to improve health care.

Emory Healthcare

Dave Hauenstein, PFA, presenting at Winship Cancer Institute’s PFA retreat

Dave Hauenstein, PFA, presenting at Winship Cancer Institute’s PFA retreat

PFAs evaluating furniture for new Emory University Hospital Tower

PFAs evaluating furniture for new Emory University Hospital Tower
(L to R: Ed Steinman, Hallie Marino, Arielle Alyssa Brown, and Bari-Ellen Ross)

Children’s Specialized Hospital

Family Advisory Council member and her son, meeting with members of Congress as part of the Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day

Family Advisory Council member and her son, meeting with members of Congress as part of the Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day