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
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    headphones can create health problems
    The Harmful Health Effects of Using Headphones
    September 24, 2021
    Headache causes
    4 Causes Of Headache You Probably Didn’t Know About
    December 28, 2021
    follow these steps to recover from your injury
    What Steps Should You Take to Recover More Quickly from an Injury?
    April 12, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Cash Transfers: Good for HIV/AIDS Too
    August 9, 2012
    unnecessary medical tests
    Eagerly Awaiting the Death of Defensive Medicine
    September 5, 2013
    Image
    Mobile Health Around the Globe – mHealth Fighting Malnutrition in India
    December 17, 2012
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • 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

The door to a hospital
Optimizing Your Hospital’s Online Presence: Structure Your Website in Accordance with SEO Best Practices
How To Increase Patients? Think Like A Patient (5 Quick Ideas)
The Disturbing Confessions of a Medical Scribe: Adding to the Bill
The Evolving Role and Stature of Health Information Management (HIM)
Talking Healthcare with Martha Coakley, Attorney General and Candidate for MA Governor

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

9 Lifestyle Tweaks That Can Add Years to Your Life
9 Healthcare Lifestyle Tweaks That can Add Years to Your Life
lifestyle
July 11, 2025
car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025

You Might also Like

Physician Marketing, Online
BusinesseHealthFinance

Top 5 Online Strategies for Successful Physician Marketing

May 4, 2014

The Divide in the ACO Debate – Beltway Rhetoric versus Marketplace Cynicism

February 3, 2012

Over $5 Billion in Medical Technology Financing in 2011

December 31, 2011
Physician Marketing humanizing
BusinessFinanceSocial Media

Making a Connection: How to Humanize Physician Marketing

October 12, 2014
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?