Bayshore’s Patient/Client and Family Advisory Committee: A Vital Voice in Shaping Healthcare
By: Lori Bogdanis, Director, National Communications & Public Relations
Bayshore doesn’t just strive to deliver healthcare services but to deliver a personalized, attentive and compassionate experience to patients and clients, consistent with the principles of person-and family-centered care (PFCC). A key part of making this happen is the Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), a dedicated group of individuals who play a crucial role in shaping the direction of patient care through their input on policies, protocols and patient communication.
Their voices, coming directly from the heart of the patient and caregiver experience, are a valuable input that helps ensure that Bayshore services are consistently responding to patient needs.
A Core Group of Advisors with a Shared Purpose
Bayshore’s PFAC is a group of patient advisors who are passionate about making patient voices heard and understood to improve the overall, holistic patient experience. What makes this group such an asset to Bayshore is their shared commitment to engaging in thoughtful discussions on a wide range of initiatives that affect Bayshore’s patients, families, and caregivers.
A Personal Touch: The Power of Lived Experience
Perhaps the most important contribution the PFAC makes is the personal touch they bring to the table. Every member has experienced the healthcare system and home healthcare firsthand, either as a patient or a caregiver. This experience provides them with invaluable insights into the unique needs and challenges that patients face.
“Having been through the care journey of my parents and in-laws, I became very interested in elder care,” said Chris Forward, committee member and caregiver. “It is important to understand people’s wishes as they get to the end of their lives and provide them with the things that are important to them.”
The committee is not just reviewing policies from an administrative perspective. They’re offering insights from the point of view of someone who’s been on the receiving end of care. That’s why their perspective is so important.
“Being a full-time caregiver is a huge adjustment. You can be under so much stress, that every little thing becomes a big thing,” said Judd Gilks, committee member and full-time caregiver for his wife. “It is so helpful to hear the experience of others and have a sounding board for our own experiences. This also helps me address my own expectations of a caregiving service.”
A Fresh Perspective on Policies and Patient Materials
One of the key strengths of the PFAC is their ability to provide a ‘litmus test’ for new protocols, procedures, and patient-facing materials. With their experience as patients and family members, they bring an essential perspective that helps ensure that everything from policies to patient materials resonate with the real-life needs and concerns of the people Bayshore serves.
“The committee is a very diverse group, representing patients, families, informal caregivers,” said Chris Forward. “I have come to see how important it is to have someone advocating for patients, helping them put all the pieces together. Caregivers are the people who help you live independently; help you maintain your quality of life…physical and mental health.”
As the committee reviews new policies, patient materials, and health procedures, they ask the critical questions: Does this truly meet the needs of our clients? Does it promote positive health outcomes? Does it help the overall patient experience? Their feedback often leads to necessary adjustments and refinements, making sure that Bayshore’s services are aligned with patient expectations.
The committee’s continuous efforts are crucial in helping Bayshore adapt to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. The committee’s ongoing efforts ensure that Bayshore is not just a healthcare provider, but a partner in improving the lives of its clients. Through their collaboration, feedback, and passion for creating better care experiences, the PFAC has become an important support of Bayshore’s commitment to providing excellence in patient care.
As the committee continues their work, one clear vision guides their work: to help create a healthcare environment where patients and families are not just cared for, but truly heard, understood, and supported. “I’m happy to provide this client’s perspective to Bayshore, and it’s rewarding to see that our feedback being adopted,” said Gilks.