Bayou Bend Health System's mission is to promote and provide quality healthcare services and improve the health of our community in a way that meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of our patients and other customers in an environment of dignity and respect. Our goal is to continue moving forward with the best possible healthcare for our community, and we are looking for patients and/or family members of patients to join our new Patient and Family Advisor Committee to help make that happen.

Purpose of the Patient and Family Advisor Committee:

The patient and their family are at the center of the health care delivery system at Bayou Bend Health System. Patient and Family Advisors partner with members of the health care team to improve the patient and family experience. They are considered active consultants that will provide input to enhance communication and improve patient satisfaction in a collaborative effort. The role of the Patient/Family Advisor is not to be viewed as a venue to deal with personal problems nor a place to share grievances from past experiences.

What to Expect as a Patient/Family Advisor:

• The Patient/Family Advisor will be listened to with respect for their insight and suggestions.
• The Patient/Family Advisor can expect a safe environment to discuss concerns.
• The Patient/Family Advisor can expect to have processes/terminology explained as needed and can be debriefed after each meeting if requested.
• The Patient/Family Advisor may be invited to attend educational sessions.

Scope and Authority:

• Chair - Will build agendas, work to establish the goals of the committee to align with Bayou Bend's mission and vision and strategies, as well as lead and facilitate the PFAC meetings
• Co-Chair - Will assume same responsibilities as the Chair in the Chair's absence.
  

Additional healthcare workers may also be invited to attend meetings as required.

Advisor Qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older and currently or have been a patient (or family member of a patient) who has received care in any of our various care settings over the past 12 months.
• Be able to provide insight and constructive feedback that will help our system improve the quality of care and customer service we provide.
• Be team-oriented, having a positive approach and ability to share and see different points of view.
• Have the ability to share both positive and negative experiences in a constructive way.
• Have good listening skills and the ability to listen to concerns of hospital staff and other partners.
• Have a willingness to accept training and supervision.
• Have a willingness to communicate and work with patients, families, committee members, and hospital employees whose backgrounds, experiences, and styles may be different than their own.
• Respect, promote, and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Commit to fulfill the responsibilities of membership (i.e. attends regular meetings, actively participates, and provides constructive feedback in a collaborative manner).
• Be willing to commit to a minimum of a two-year term that is renewable each year at the discretion of the PFAC committee. The term is renewed in January.
• Support and promote the principles of patient and family-centered care.

Advisor Expectations:

The Patient/Family Advisor must have the desire to help make BBHS a safe and welcoming environment for our patients and their families and displays this through the following actions:

• Promotes a better understanding of the principles of Patient and Family-centered health care among patients and the community.
• Assists in promoting positive relationships between BBHS and members of the community by:
• Channeling information, needs, and concerns to the BBHS administration and staff.
• Identifying and reporting patient safety issues
• Attends meetings as invited, or provide input in other ways. Participation is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time with notice. A minimum of a two-year commitment is desired.
• The Patient/Family Advisor will maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational sensitive information - NO EXCEPTIONS.
• The Patient/Family Advisor will complete the PFA orientation, complete HIPAA training, and sign a confidentiality statement.
• The Patient/Family Advisor will wear a name badge stating "Patient Advisor" when in the facility in the PFA Role.

A breach of confidentiality or failure to continue to meet the Advisor Qualifications/Expectations will result in immediate removal from the Patient and Family Advisor Committee.

This is a volunteer position, therefore, there is no compensation associated with performing the role. 

A PRINTED COPY OF THE PATIENT AND FAMILY ADVISOR COMMITTEE MEMBER DESCRIPTION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS TO SIGN AT THE FIRST ORIENTATION MEETING.