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A Stronger Patient Voice Improves Transparency and Care
Barbara Wadsworth1, Catherine A Harmer
1Author Affiliations: Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer (Dr Wadsworth) and System Director (Ms Harmer), Patient Experience, Mail Line Health, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Pennsylvania.
The Journal of Nursing Administration
|November 17, 2016
Summary
Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) thrive in healthcare settings that prioritize partnerships, safety, and transparency. Nursing leadership is key to establishing successful PFACs, enhancing hospital operations and patient care processes.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Engagement
- Organizational Culture
Background:
- Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) are increasingly recognized for their value in healthcare.
- This article is the second in a series exploring the impact of PFACs.
- Early adoption in a Magnet®-recognized system provides valuable insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the factors contributing to the successful establishment of PFACs.
- To highlight the role of nursing in championing and leading PFACs.
- To outline the benefits of integrating patient and family voices into hospital operations.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative insights from an early adopter at a large healthcare system.
- Focus on environmental factors: partnerships, safety culture, transparency.
- Examination of nursing's leadership role.
Main Results:
- Successful PFACs were established across multiple hospitals.
- A culture of strong partnerships, safety, and transparency facilitated council creation.
- Nursing played an integral role in the development and leadership of these councils.
Conclusions:
- PFACs can be successfully implemented in large healthcare systems.
- A supportive organizational environment is crucial for PFAC success.
- Patient and family input significantly benefits hospital operations and care processes, with nursing as a key facilitator.
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