Some of the most valuable members of the health-care team do not wear scrubs or white coats. In fact, one of the most valuable team members is lying in the hospital bed, and another sitting at their bedside. St. John’s Mercy is working to create a culture of patient and family centered care, where patients and families are heard and actively involved in treatment decisions. As one step toward advancing that culture, St. John’s Mercy is starting a Patient and Family Council.

 

A Healing Environment Team worked on the Council structure and organization. The Council will consist of approximately 10 patients and/or family members and will meet one evening every month with dinner provided. “The Patient and Family Council helps facilitate the partnership between patients and their loved ones, and health care providers at St. John’s Mercy,” says Deb Allison, director of Patient Relations, and Council co-coordinator. “Our goal is to strengthen collaboration and communications among patients, families and health care providers, and to promote patient and family involvement in the care process.

 

The Council is seeking members who:

• Have experienced an inpatient stay as a patient or family member and are committed to enhancing a patient and family centered environment.
• Are willing to participate in the interview and orientation process, commit to a one or two-year volunteer term, and attend monthly meetings.
• Share insights and information about their experiences in ways that others can learn from.
• Interact with different types of people, and can see beyond their own personal experiences.

 Potential roles and responsibilities of a Council member include:

 

• Program policy review – design, implement and evaluate health-care programs
• Committee memberships - serve on committees like patient safety and patient satisfaction
• Education materials review – provide input on patient education materials
• Discussion groups – participate in discussion groups focused on a particular department or service  

Patients and family members interested in applying or learning more about the Patient and Family Council, can call 314-251-6484.