HealthcareNursingPatient Safety

PFACs in 2024: Renew, Restore, and Revitalize for a Patient-Centric Future

Deborah Ventz-Migneco

Abstract:

Healthcare institutions, recognizing the pivotal role of Patient Family Advisory Committees (PFACs), understand the significance of engaging patients and families as essential partners in reshaping and enhancing operational processes. There is an evolving landscape of PFACs in 2024, which emphasizes the need for renewal and revitalization to meet the changing dynamics of healthcare institutions and the communities they serve.

Understanding the PFAC Landscape

For almost four decades, PFACs have been influential in shaping organizational cultures and revealing blind spots in processes and systems through the shared narratives of patients and families. Surprisingly, as of 2021, only 51% of the nation’s hospitals have implemented and operationalized PFACs, with Massachusetts being the sole U.S. state mandating their establishment.[1]

Adapting to Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the formation of new PFACs and impacted existing ones. However, it also revealed the advantages of virtual or hybrid meeting alternatives for PFAC members. Leveraging these insights, healthcare institutions should seize the opportunity to renew and revitalize PFACs, ensuring they remain effective in addressing the priorities, preferences, and values of patients and families.[2]

Overcoming Barriers for Inclusivity

Virtual PFAC meetings and hybrid models have demonstrated their ability to enhance inclusivity by removing barriers related to transportation, childcare, and geographical distance. The obstacles to achieving a more diverse PFAC representation mirror those hindering access to care, such as scheduling conflicts and resource constraints. The potential of virtual participation or hybrid alternatives emerges as a valuable strategy to draw in PFAC members reflecting the diverse spectrum of patients and families served.2

Strategic Considerations for PFAC Revitalization

Revitalizing PFACs in 2024 requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. The audience will be offered recommended considerations for combating the current and future challenges that may undermine their survival.

References:

[1] Success of Patient and Family Advisory Councils: The Importance of Metrics, 2023
2 Adapting and responding to a pandemic: Patient and family advisory councils in children’s hospitals during COVID-19, 2022

Tags:

Nursing in Healthcare, Nursing & Health Sciences, Healthcare Simulation, Home Care Nursing Services, Advanced Healthcare, Types of Nursing in Healthcare, Public Health Nursing, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Management, Hospital Management, Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Healthcare Quality, Family Medicine, Child Health Advanced Nursing Practices during Pandemic, Nurse Protection during Pandemics, Oncology Nursing, Cardiac Nursing, Gynacology and Obstetrics Nursing, Nursing Education, Global Healthcare, Family Nursing, Men in Nursing, Nursing Care, Women Health Nursing, Infection Control, Healthcare Quality improvement, Tele Healthcare, Digital Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Healthcare Marketing

Upcoming UCG Conference;

 

  1. 14th World Healthcare, Hospital Management, Nursing, and Patient Safety Conference from July 25-27, 2025 in Dubai, UAE.
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  2. 14th International Healthcare, Hospital Management, Nursing, and Patient Safety Conference from July 25-27, 2025 in Dubai, UAE.
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