Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC), also known as patient advisory boards, are formal groups of patients, families, staff and providers working in partnership to improve the patient experience. The members of the group are "advisors" offering guidance on procedures, processes, and quality improvement strategies to achieve high-quality, safe, coordinated care. The Councils provide valuable feedback and personal insights on the patient care experience.
There are over 30 Patient and Family Advisory Councils within the Penn Medicine Health System that make up the PFAC Collaborative. Staff and advisors from the Collaborative hold monthly meetings where they share best practices and innovative ideas.
In addition to our monthly Collaborative meetings, the group sponsors an annual summit and quarterly Community of Practice discussions. This is a chance for staff, advisors and others to gather to learn about best practices in PFACs and Patient and Family Centered Care from national and local experts.
What Functions Does a Patient and Family Advisory Council Perform for a Hospital?
As we work to create a patient-centered experience at our hospitals and satellite locations, the PFAC creates an authentic connection between healthcare staff, patients, their families and the surrounding community. At Penn Medicine, our individual PFACs and the PFAC Collaborative create projects to inspire, inform and guide improvements within the health system.
Members of the PFAC participate in regular meetings where they may:
- Contribute to committees and initiatives across the health system
- Present at conferences and community of practice discussions
- Review and provide feedback on educational materials and resources
- Provide guidance on strategic initiatives, facility design and development of new services and offerings
- Participate in staff training initiatives
- Recognize care teams and staff who demonstrate excellence in providing optimal experiences
- Share personal stories about care experiences to inspire and promote change
PFAC Projects
PFAC projects often address gaps in healthcare policy and procedures to help patients remain comfortable, informed and supported during their interactions with their healthcare teams. If you have an idea for how we can work to improve the patient experience, even if you are not a member of a PFAC, you can submit a project request for the PFAC collaborative to review.
Submit a project request to the PFAC Collaborative
Become a PFAC Advisor
Anyone who receives care at Penn Medicine can volunteer their time to become a patient and family advisor. Penn Medicine is always looking for new patients, family members and staff members to join the PFAC. With more than 30 councils across the Penn Medicine Health System, there are many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our patients.
As a PFAC advisor, you may be asked to sit on a research project, a safety committee, provide feedback on patient education materials or participate in a story forum. Examples include:
- Inspiring and educating new oncology nurses
- Sitting on Ethics or Patient Safety Steering Committee
- Offering insight on revisions to the hospital Welcome Book
Commitment: Attend monthly meetings and ad hoc committee work as available.
Become an Advisor
PFAC Mission Statement
The mission of the Penn Medicine Patient and Family Advisory Council collaborative is to improve the quality, safety and experience of care and to promote an organizational culture that is person and family-centered through active partnerships with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare staff.
The Advisory Council will seek to further this mission by:
- Engaging in and advocating for improvement initiatives that impact patient safety, quality of care and staff, patient and family experiences
- Advising on systems, structures, and resources that support family presence and participation
- Participating in forums and sharing health care experiences to help inspire, motivate and empower relevant audiences to promote patient and family-centered care and change
- Representing the community served and ensuring all voices are heard and opinions respected
Our Vision
The PFAC collaborative will ensure the patient and family voice is accessible, informed and acknowledged as integral to advancing the strategic priorities of Penn Medicine. We see a future where patients, families and staff will work, as true partners, at each level of the healthcare system to improve the experience for all. From the bedside to the board room, PFACs are essential to the future of healthcare.
For more information, contact PennPatientAdvisors@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
Penn Medicine Patient and Family Advisory Councils
In Remembrance
We wish to acknowledge and remember the advisors who volunteered countless hours to make Penn Medicine even better, and who passed away during their tenure on our councils.