Partnering with Patients and Their Families
A thriving hospital must welcome the opinions of its patients and their families in order to develop programs and practices that meet the needs of the community it serves.
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth's patient-centered philosophy of care recognizes the importance of the patient's perspective. Through our Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC), we hope to provide an ongoing forum to involve our community in shaping our hospital services.
Established in 2010, BID Plymouth's PFAC follows guidelines developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Coalition for Prevention of Medical Errors to ensure high standards of comprehensive and compassionate care for every patient.
PFAC members provide feedback to hospital leadership as a voice of the community to improve the experience for patients and family members; plan and host community education programs; and may act as a PFAC representative to other hospital committees: such as Patient Care Assessment Committee, Patient Rights, Institutional Review Board, and many ad hoc committees.
BID Plymouth's Patient and Family Advisory Council provides feedback on many initiatives, including:
- Emergency Department (ED) Patient Education: Offering information to people waiting in the ED for treatment who may not know about hospital process, insurance considerations, and reasons for longer wait times
- Surgical Services Patient Video: Preparing patients for what to expect when preparing for surgery
- Ensuring that BID Plymouth's healthcare providers and partners are ready to help seriously ill patients and their families prepare for meaningful, empowering end-of-life choices.
- Community programs on end-of-life conversations and considerations, based on hospice and palliative care patient and family needs
- The development of physician and medical staff educational video about how to communicate more sensitively with, and relate to, patients under their care
- Community communication needs regarding hospital leadership, safety perceptions, and the need for more primary care physicians
- Parking safety and signage considerations, along with recommended actions for arriving patients and their visitors
- Patient/Family Guidebook: A resource guide for patients and loved ones who have an inpatient stay
- Community Health Needs Assessment: A research study conducted in the community to determine perceived health needs
- Facility upgrade plans and renovations
- Patient registration and scheduling process
- Patient advocacy process
Interested in Becoming a PFAC Member?
If you have questions about becoming a BID-Plymouth PFAC member, please contact Andrea Holleran, Vice President, External Affairs by email or call 508-830-2029.
Do You Have Feedback You Would Like To Share?
We value your feedback. If you have any questions or concerns about care you or a loved one received at BID Plymouth, please contact our Patient Advocate at 508-830-2521.
To request a copy be mailed to you, please email Denise Norris or call 508-830-2006.