Patient and Family Engagement

Duke Health senior leaders pose with a "Thank You to our Patient and Family Advisory Councils" poster
Duke Health senior leaders are grateful for our Patient and Family Advisors

Engaging Patients in Improving the Healthcare Experience

Patient and Family Advisors are volunteers at Duke University Health System who provide the patient and family (consumer) perspective on patient care initiatives, projects, programs, and facilities that impact the patient and family experience at Duke University Health System.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • attending regular patient/family advisory council meetings
  • participating in topic-specific focus consumer groups
  • reviewing patient and family educational and marketing materials
  • providing feedback on building design and improvements
  • advising on new way-finding technology
  • participating on committees to provide the consumer voice
  • performing similar activities as needed/directed.

Input received from Patient/Family Advisors has led to improved co-designed processes and procedures, strong engagement of patients and families, and therefore, a better patient and family health care experience. Opportunities are available at Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, as well as Duke Primary Clinics and Specialty Services.

Engaging Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) in the early stages of project design leads to long-term benefits including:

  • Better health outcomes for patients
  • Reduced errors and adverse events
  • Increased patient loyalty

There are currently over 15 PFACs operating at the health system, entity, and clinical service unit levels.

Contact: Shannon Haney, shannon.haney@duke.edu