The Howard University Hospital (HUH) Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) plays a crucial role in improving healthcare delivery by actively involving patients and their families in the decision-making process. This council serves as a vital bridge between healthcare providers and the community, offering unique insights into patient experiences, concerns, and preferences. By actively involving patients and their families in the decision-making process and integrating the voices of those who receive care, PFACs help to enhance the quality of services, promote patient-centered care, and foster trust and collaboration. Ultimately, the input of patients and families leads to more responsive, compassionate, and effective healthcare systems.

 

PFAC Goals

The active goals of Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) typically include:

1. Improving Patient Care Quality and Safety: PFACs work closely with healthcare staff to identify and address potential issues related to patient safety and quality of care, offering patient-centered solutions.

2. Enhancing the Patient Experience: Councils aim to foster an environment where patients feel respected, heard, and supported, promoting improved communication and patient satisfaction.

3. Collaborating on Policy Development: PFACs contribute to shaping hospital policies, procedures, and programs, ensuring they are aligned with patient and family needs and preferences.

4. Encouraging Open Communication: These councils promote transparency between healthcare providers and patients, helping to bridge communication gaps and enhance mutual understanding.

5. Supporting Continuous Improvement: PFACs are engaged in ongoing efforts to evaluate and refine care practices, ensuring healthcare delivery evolves to meet changing patient needs.

6. Promoting Cultural Competency and Inclusion: Councils strive to ensure that care is inclusive and culturally sensitive, reflecting the diversity of the community they serve.

These goals help create a healthcare environment that is more collaborative, effective, and patient-centered.

​

Mission & Vision

The mission of PFAC is to collaborate with healthcare providers to improve the quality of care and patient experience by integrating the insights, perspectives, and expertise of patients and their families. The council aims to foster a partnership that ensures healthcare services are patient-centered, compassionate, and responsive to the diverse needs of the community. The vision of a PFAC is to create a healthcare environment where patients and families are empowered as partners in care. The council envisions a system where their input drives improvements in healthcare delivery, safety, and satisfaction, leading to a more inclusive, respectful, and high-quality patient care experience for all.​

​

Core Values

The core values of PFAC typically reflect its commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers. Key core values include:

1. Partnership – Establishing a strong, respectful collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare staff to improve care delivery.

2. Respect – Valuing the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of every individual involved in care, regardless of their role.

3. Empathy – Ensuring decisions and actions are guided by compassion and an understanding of patients' and families' emotional, social, and physical needs.

4. Inclusivity – Promoting diversity and ensuring that the voices of all patients and families, regardless of background, are heard and valued in the care process.

5. Transparency – Fostering open, honest communication and sharing information with patients and families to build trust and accountability.

6. Collaboration – Working together as a team to solve problems, innovate, and improve healthcare services and policies.

7. Patient-Centeredness – Prioritizing the needs, preferences, and values of patients and families in every aspect of care.

​

Rights & Responsibilities

Rights of PFAC Members:

1. Respectful Treatment: Members have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have their perspectives and contributions valued.

2. Equal Voice: Members are entitled to express their opinions freely, without fear of dismissal or judgment, and to have their input considered in decision-making processes.

3. Access to Information: PFAC members have the right to receive relevant and clear information regarding healthcare policies, strategies, and decisions that affect the patient experience.

4. Confidentiality: Members have the right to privacy regarding their personal healthcare experiences and any confidential discussions within the council.

5. Support and Training: Members are entitled to appropriate support, orientation, and training to fulfill their role effectively within the PFAC.

​

Responsibilities of PFAC Members:

1. Active Participation: Members are responsible for attending meetings regularly, participating actively, and contributing constructively to discussions and initiatives.

2. Respectful Communication: Members should engage in respectful dialogue, listen to others, and consider differing perspectives in their discussions.

3. Confidentiality: Members must respect the confidentiality of sensitive information shared during meetings, particularly regarding patient care and organizational issues.

4. Collaboration: Members are expected to work collaboratively with healthcare providers and other stakeholders to foster positive changes in care delivery.

5. Providing Honest Feedback: Members are responsible for offering honest, thoughtful feedback based on their experiences or the experiences of others, while maintaining a focus on constructive solutions.

6. Representing the Community: Members should strive to represent the diverse views and needs of the patient community, considering different backgrounds, cultures, and healthcare experiences.​​​