At Sanford Health, we believe that health care works best when it鈥檚 shaped by those it serves. That鈥檚 why we are excited to announce the formation of a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) right here in Bemidji. This initiative represents a vital step toward ensuring that we remain responsive to the needs, concerns and experiences of patients and their families.
Across the country, PFACs have helped hospitals improve patient communication, streamline hospital processes and even influence facility design. A PFAC is a partnership between health care professionals and the community. They provide a safe and structured way for patients and family members to share their perspectives, offer feedback and collaborate with hospital leadership to improve care in our community.
ADVERTISEMENT
Approximately two years ago, we formed a Native American Patient Family Advisory Council in collaboration with Native American patients and community members to help better understand and address health care disparities and concerns around navigating health care at Sanford. This quarterly meeting has provided patients an opportunity to share their personal stories; while providing us with opportunities to improve the care and experience we provide to everyone.
Recently, a member of the council shared how a family member was transferred to Fargo for emergency surgery. After the surgery, the family didn鈥檛 know of any lodging resources that were available to them, so they slept in their vehicle.
Because of their story, we are putting together an informational handout that will be offered to families when family members are being transferred to Fargo for care. This will include information about the hospital they are going to, phone numbers they might need, information about lodging options and more. One person鈥檚 story will help us better support hundreds of families as they go through what can often be a distressing experience.
Open to anyone in our community, our Patient Family Advisory Council and Native American Patient Family Advisory councils will work with Sanford Bemidji鈥檚 leadership, clinicians and staff. The members will meet regularly to privately discuss health care experiences, identify opportunities for improvement and provide input on hospital policies and initiatives. Each council鈥檚 mix of backgrounds, ages, health care experiences and perspectives will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how we can improve local health care together.
Some key areas where PFAC members may have a direct impact include offering insight on ways to enhance comfort, communication and quality of care; reviewing and advising on policies that affect patients and their families; providing feedback on accessibility, signage and the overall environment; and helping shape outreach programs and public health efforts that address the unique needs of northern Minnesotans.
We are looking for engaged, passionate community members who want to help make a difference. Whether you have been a patient within one of our facilities, a caregiver for a loved one or simply a community member who cares deeply about the quality of health care in northern Minnesota, we encourage you to apply.
Ideal PFAC members will be willing to share constructive feedback and insights, be collaborative and solution-focused, be able to work with a wide range of perspectives and commit to regularly attending PFAC meetings a few times a year.
ADVERTISEMENT
We invite all interested community members to apply for the PFAC by scanning the QR code accompanying this column. The application period is March 5 through May 1. Applications will be reviewed carefully, and selected members will be notified in May. The PFAC will hold its first official meeting in June.
If you鈥檝e ever had ideas about how we can improve your care and experience with us, this is a great opportunity to have a direct say in how health care is delivered in our community, and we welcome you to apply.
We look forward to working together to make Sanford locations in northern Minnesota even better for all who rely on us. Apply today and help us build a healthier community, one conversation at a time.
Karla Eischens, RPh, is the President and CEO of Sanford Health鈥檚 Bemidji region located in northern Minnesota. She can be reached at (218) 333-5264 or karla.eischens@sanfordhealth.org.
The Trust Project
