Patient and Family Engagement

Engaging Patients in Improving the Healthcare Experience

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

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

Patient/Family Advisors’ input has led to improved co-designed processes and procedures, strong engagement of patients and families, and overall, 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.

Patient and Family Engagement (PFE) 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

See a list of Patient Family Advisory Councils

Learn about some of our many accomplishments

Duke Health shows its appreciation for patient and family volunteers

Highlights from Inside Duke Health

Patient & Family Advisor, Suzanne Mayers, shares her excitement for Duke’s new Behavioral Health Center: “Duke’s new mental health center in Durham aims to be ‘more conducive to feeling happy’” and is featured in this video.

Jamonica Hill went from being the parent of a patient, to a patient herself and then joined the Duke Raleigh Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council to advocate for patients and their family members. Read more.

Want to participate? Fill out our interest form

Contact: hsq@duke.edu