Patient & Family Advisory Council
Pomerene Hospital Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) serves as an advisory resource for employees, staff and administration. The purpose of the PFAC is to provide a formal process to collaborate with patients and families in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care practices. This council will create a safe environment where the needs of the patient and family are given top priority and to make recommendations for change.
Goals & Objectives
The goals and objectives of the PFAC are:
- To promote a culture that ensures health care is receptive to patient and family priorities, preferences and values.
- To provide a process for receiving and responding to patient and family input.
- To offer an opportunity for developing solutions to resolve the challenges of the hospital.
- To provide a respectful partnership between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- To enhance patient and family satisfaction within our organization.
- To improve safety and quality within our organization.
Membership
1. Council Structure - Members are selected to the PFAC by recommendations of the Patient Experience Specialist. The council will consist of members in the following roles:
• Executive Champion (Patient Experience Specialist)
• Advisors (Patient/Family Member)
• Ad hoc members (as needed)
• Council Chairperson (Patient/Family Member)
• Staff Liaisons
2. Advisor Qualifications – Advisor must have been a patient or family member of a patient who utilized services at Pomerene Hospital within the last five years or is a Pomerene Hospital Volunteer in good standing. Advisor must be a resident of the local community.
3. Term – Advisor is expected to serve in his/her role for one year, with the option to serve a second consecutive term as approved by the Staff Liason team. To ensure the success of the PFAC, all Advisors will complete a 90-day probationary period. Advisor may be removed if it is in the best interest of the PFAC.
4. Responsibilities:
• Attend 50% of the meetings throughout the year of their term.
• Participate in a PFAC orientation.
• Share insight and information about experiences in a manner benefiting a learning environment.
• Offer feedback in a constructive and professional manner.
• Listen and respect the opinions of others.
• Identify patient and family needs/concerns and work with others to address issues identified.
• Respect the confidentiality of patient information.
Interviewing & Selection
- Applicants for the PFAC will be interviewed by the Staff Liaison team.
- Advisor will be selected by the Staff Liaison team.
Orientation
- Orientation should include:
- a. Pomerene Hospital’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
- b. The role of the PFAC.
- c. Attendance expectations.
- d. Role and responsibilities of the Advisor.
- e. How to effectively present issues.
- f. Identifying improvement projects.
- g. HIPPA policy.
Meetings
- Quarterly meetings will be held with additional meetings added if needed.
- The agenda will be created by the Council Chairperson with input from the Staff Liaisons. Any Advisor may recommend agenda items to the Council Chairperson prior to the scheduled meeting.
- Meetings will be facilitated by the Council Chairperson.
- A minimum of 51% is required for a decision making.
Confidentiality
1. Patient and/ or family names or any identifying information shall not be discussed during PFAC meetings. This will allow the appropriate and confidential handling of personal information.
2. Strict compliance with HIPAA, shall be enforced.
Amendement Procedures
PFAC Qualifications
Check out the qualifications below to see if this opportunity is a match for you
Apply to Become a Member
If you are interested in becoming a PFAC member, please fill out the application form
If you have questions, please contact Chastity Hostetler at chastityh@pomerenehospital.org or 330-674-1015 ext. 1298
