Patient and Family Advisors are valued partners in our health system. Advisors have the opportunity to influence institutional decision-making that will affect thousands of patients and families at the CVC, simply by sharing opinions, advice and expertise as health care “consumers”. By improving care and creating friendlier services past Advisors have noted that knowing they made a difference in someone else’s life was the most rewarding aspect.
The CVC is seeking insight regarding all aspects of cardiovascular care. We are looking for families who represent a variety of clinical experience, and reflect racial, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and educational diversities. We are interested in members who are willing to speak freely of both positive and negative experiences.
- Do I have the qualities of a good Family Advisor?
- Advisor Responsibilities
- Qualifications
- Advisor Roles/Opportunities
- Patient and Family Advisory Council
- Patient and Family Centered Care Committees
- Become an Advisor
Do I have the qualities of a good Family Advisor?
As a family Advisor, you should be able to:
- Share insights and information about experiences in ways that others learn from
- See beyond personal experiences
- Show concern for more than one issue
- Listen well
- Respect diversity
- Speak comfortably in a group
- Work in partnership with others
- Show a positive outlook on life
- Show compassion while maintaining boundaries
- Demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction
- Comply with hospital confidentiality policy
- Maintain open communication
The Family Advisor must also have had a personal experience with cardiovascular care.
Advisor Responsibilities
Advisors are expected to:
- Commit to the mission, vision, and values of the CVC
- Be active in discussions, activities or projects
- Meet timelines
- Commit to the required length of term
Most terms are effective for 12 months; however, the CVC offers many opportunities to meet diverse interests and time availabilities.
Qualifications
In general, Advisors should:
- Have recent experience within the CVC
- Provide input fairly and objectively
- Offer a patient or family point of view
- Register as a UMHS volunteer
Advisors may also need to:
- Have basic technical skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and use of internet)
- Communicate effectively
Advisor Roles/Opportunities
Within the PFCC program, Advisors are presented with multiple different opportunities for which they can become involved. Each of these roles provides invaluable information to CVC staff and faculty and rewarding experiences to you. They are as follows:
Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC): Patient-family Advisors and staff address patient-family experiences and concerns, and seek solutions to improve care. PFAC oversees the CVC PFCC program.
Review Panel: Advisors will review and evaluate designated materials, which may include patient videos or print materials. Projects can be done via email or US postal service.
Public Relations: Advisors would participate in panel discussions and/or educational classes to express personal experiences and stories. These events may also be videotaped pending Advisor permission.
Think Tanks: Smaller work groups (6-8 family members) who focus on specific CVC programs. These groups are often issue driven formed on an as neededbasis and may include patients, families and staff.
Survey Advisors: Advisors are responsible for providing feedback on surveys relating to cardiovascular services. Work may be completed via email, US postal service or telephone.
Patient and Family Advisory Council
The patient and family advisory council is the core of the PFCC Program. This council of patients/families and faculty/staff works together to identify solutions and implement change to improve healthcare.
Roles of PFAC Members
Members should be able to:
- Confident in being a primary voice and assuming a leading role for patients and families
- Commit to the mission, vision, and values of the CVC
- Willing to be active in discussions, activities, or assigned projects
- Willing to brainstorm positive solutions from negative experiences
- Able to attend 80% of meetings during usual circumstances
- Willing to serve the required term
For further information, please see Advisor Opportunities, below.
Patient and Family Centered Care Committees
Amenities and Space: Participants within this committee strive to improve patient and family satisfaction through focusing on visiting policies, waiting rooms, and other amenities.
Information and Education: Family members passionate about improving how information is both presented and communicated to patients work to evaluate and review designated materials related to patient education.
Security and Safety: Members focus specifically on security issues affecting both patients, family and staff members within the CVC.
Continuum of Care: This group is devoted to establishing smooth transactions for patients when moving throughout the health system. This includes examination of discharge planning, coordination of appointments, and clinical handoffs.
Customer Service and System Recovery: Participants work with staff to outline ideal customer service within all clinical venues.
Become an Advisor
Being a PFCC Advisor is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a difference for years to come. Whether or not your experience at the Cardiovascular Center was world class or slightly below average, your input is valuable. Anyone who has experienced care within one of our cardiovascular services is encouraged to submit an application and join our team! You must fill out the UMHS volunteer application theinterview checklist along with our P/F Advisor application.
Via mail: University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
Mardigian Wellness Resource Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive. SPC 5852
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5852
Via fax: 734-232-4121
Via email: [email protected]