Abstract
BackgroundPartnering with patients and families is a crucial step in optimizing health. A patient and family advisory council (PFAC) is a group of patients and family members working together collaboratively with providers and staff to improve health care.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the creation of a PFAC within a family medicine residency clinic. To understand the successful development of a PFAC, challenges, potential barriers, and positive outcomes of a meaningful partnership will be reported.MethodsThe stages of PFAC development include leadership team formation and initial training, PFAC member recruitment, and meeting launch. Following a description of each stage, outcomes are outlined and lessons learned are discussed. PFAC members completed an open-ended survey and participated in a focus group interview at the completion of the first year. Interviewees provided feedback regarding (1) favorite aspects or experiences, (2) PFAC impact on a family medicine clinic, and (3) future projects to improve care. Common themes will be presented.ResultsThe composition of the PFAC consisted of 18 advisors, including 8 patient and family advisors, 4 staff advisors, 4 resident physician advisors, and 2 faculty physician advisors. The average meeting attendance was 12 members over 11 meetings in the span of the first year. A total of 13 out of 13 (100%) surveyed participants were satisfied with their experience serving on the PFAC.ConclusionsPFACs provide a platform for patient engagement and an opportunity to drive home key concepts around collaboration within a residency training program. A framework for the creation of a PFAC, along with lessons learned, can be utilized to advise other residency programs in developing and evaluating meaningful PFACs.
Highlights
BackgroundThe core concepts of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) are based on meaningful partnerships between patients, families, and the health care team
13 out of 13 (100%) advisors that completed the surveys were satisfied with their experience serving on the patient and family advisory council (PFAC), with 1 member commenting: It’s been great to be a part of something that is helping make a tangible change
We found that very early in the process, resident physicians and office staff seemed less invested in the PFAC and did not always recognize how collaboration with patient and family advisors could enhance the quality of care
Summary
The core concepts of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) are based on meaningful partnerships between patients, families, and the health care team. Collaboration and participation across all ages and locations of care ensure that patients and their families act as included partners in care. A PFAC has shown success in several outcomes including patient experience and satisfaction [4,5]. A patient and family advisory council (PFAC) is a group of patients and family members working together collaboratively with providers and staff to improve health care. Conclusions: PFACs provide a platform for patient engagement and an opportunity to drive home key concepts around collaboration within a residency training program. A framework for the creation of a PFAC, along with lessons learned, can be utilized to advise other residency programs in developing and evaluating meaningful PFACs
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