By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Patient and Family Advisory Council: Lessons Learned
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Business > Hospital Administration > Patient and Family Advisory Council: Lessons Learned
BusinessHospital Administration

Patient and Family Advisory Council: Lessons Learned

thielst
thielst
Share
4 Min Read
family and patient advisory council
SHARE

family and patient advisory councilI recently set up a patient and family advisory council to address safety and quality concerns from the patient/family perspective. Creating an organizational structure that would fit within the culture of the organization has certainly been the easy part. We started with a six-month pilot and then evolved based-upon what we learned as we progressed through the process.

family and patient advisory councilI recently set up a patient and family advisory council to address safety and quality concerns from the patient/family perspective. Creating an organizational structure that would fit within the culture of the organization has certainly been the easy part. We started with a six-month pilot and then evolved based-upon what we learned as we progressed through the process. However, this blog post isn’t about that stuff.  It is about what it like to sit in a room with patients and family members who want to share their experience to make it better for those who follow.

The first lesson is to prepare yourself to listen that very first meeting.  Emotions that have been simmering under a lid will finally come out and there may be a bit of splattering all over the walls.  However, don’t get defensive, don’t try to explain why….. just listen.  Before any really work to improve processes and quality can begin patients and their family caregivers need to have an opportunity to share their frustrations and know that someone who cares is listening.  You may also see a little of this bleed into the second meeting, so don’t panic.  Gradually, the patients and family members will be ready to work toward shared goals.

The second lesson is to not be so surprised by the first lesson.  Prepare leaders for the fact that it isn’t  just a “bitch” session, nor an example of how an advisory council was a big mistake in the first place.  When there is no or ineffective communication with patients, the pressure will build and then it shoots out when there is finally an opportunity for release.  Think of it as a hose with its nozzle finally opened. 

More Read

Potential Malaria Detection, Drug Sensitivity Handheld Testing Device on Indiegogo
How to Advocate For Yourself In and Out of the Hospital
Health Business TV: Obamacare Premiums (VIDEO)
Why Profit Is Our Best Friend
Lawmakers Finally Asking About Medicare Contractor Conflict of Interests

The third lesson is to be prepared for some strong facilitation.  All of that emotion needs to be managed and directed in a productive manner.  It needs to be controlled so that everyone has a chance to be heard and weaknesses or gaps in processes identified.  Re-direction and probing questions are two very important tools for gathering usable information.

The fourth lesson is to ensure there is follow-up and communication back to the advisors.  Actually looking into making changes and implementing their suggestions will build trust and help keep the advisors engaged.  Even if something can’t be changed, because it violates a law, regulation or corporate policy, the fact that the idea was explored or the “reason why” explained will help keep advisors coming back.

The last lesson is to make sure you have real work for the advisors.  The sharing of stories and talking will get old after a few meetings for both the advisors and staff.  This is when the group is ready to transition to the real work of improving the quality, safety and experience of the healthcare.  This work will come from the key strategies that affect patients and from the stories the advisors share about their experiences.  By listening, you will soon identify the work to be done by your patient and family advisory council.

What are you waiting for? Start listening today!

family / shutterstock

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

contamination
Batch Failures And The Hidden Costs Of Contamination
Health Infographics
October 21, 2025
Medication Management For Seniors
Simplifying Medication Management For Seniors
Infographics Senior Care
October 21, 2025
Guide To Pursuing a Career in Nursing as a Foreigner in the USA
Collaboration Is the Prescription for Better Patient Care
Health
October 20, 2025
Epidemiological Health Benefits
Personal and Epidemiological Health Benefits of Blood Pressure Management
Health
October 13, 2025

You Might also Like

ACOs Gaining Ground in Illinois

March 18, 2012

What is Leadership in Medicine?

April 11, 2011
Hospital AdministrationMedical EthicsPolicy & Law

How Your Healthcare Facility Can Ace Their Patient Safety Survey

November 29, 2017
Patient Centered Health Care
Hospital Administration

What Sets PCMH Apart from Other Healthcare Models?

April 23, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?