News Flash! Archive
October is Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, an international awareness-building campaign initiated by Planetree to commemorate the progress "toward making patient-centered care a reality and to build momentum for further progress through education and collaboration." This year's theme is "Transformation Through Patient and Family Engagement." Learn more...
Journal of Risk Management Special Issue on Patient- and Family-Centered Care Features Article by Institute's Bev Johnson and Marie Abraham
Bev Johnson, President and CEO, and Marie Abraham, Senior Policy and Program Specialist, both from the Institute, along with Dan Ford, who is Vice President of the Furst Group, co-authored Collaborating with Patients and their Families, an article in the most recent issue of Journal of Healthcare Risk Management. The article focuses on how risk managers and their administrators can create partnerships with patients and their families to improve a variety of outcomes and how the key concepts of patient- and family-centered care can be applied in any health care setting. These partnerships can result in increased safety, reduced errors, and better allocation of resources.
Members of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management can access the entire special issue on Patient- and Family-Centered Care of the Journal of Healthcare Risk Management, Volume 29, Number 4 on-line for free.
Non-members can contact the publisher, Wiley, to purchase on-line access and reprints.
Centers for Disease Control offer Web-Based Training in Health Literacy for Public Health Professionals
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a free, web-based Health Literacy for Public Health Professionals training program. The purpose of this training is to educate public health professionals about limited health literacy and their role in addressing it in a public health context. According to the CDC, this course will "challenge you to think about the significance of health literacy in the work you do as a public health professional...[and] provides practical steps to apply the principles and strategies of health literacy in your daily activities."
This web-based course can be accessed 24/7 by any computer with Internet access. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Trainees can earn a variety of continuing education credits.
Also, check out AHRQ's Health Literacy and Cultural Competence Resource Links.
During the month of September, the Open School will release a new resource each week that teaches and explores the importance of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC)
Sally and Lauren, featured in the upcoming IHI Open School course PFCC 101: Dignity and Respect, offer opinions on why providers aren't more empathetic, discuss positive interactions during their many hospital visits, and share some advice for future health care professionals.
The story of Lauren's List will be featured in the newest Open School online course, PFC101: Dignity and Respect, which will released on the final Wednesday of September.
The 4th Annual Medically Induced Trauma Support Services (MITSS) HOPE Award Nomination Deadline is September 16, 2011. The MITSS HOPE Award (Honoring Outstanding People Everywhere) honors those who exemplify the mission of MITSS: To Support Healing and Restore Hope to "patients, families, and clinicians impacted by adverse medical events, medical errors, or unexpected outcomes." Medically Induced Trauma results from "an adverse medical event that occurs during medical and/or surgical care. It may or may not be an error, but is an undesirable outcome...these events affect the emotional well being of the patient, family member, and/or clinician." Learn more about MITSS.
One of the most innovative in the last few years has been the Picker Institute's development of a concept they've dubbed "Always Events®." First conceived in 2009, Always Events® are activities and processes that should routinely be part of patient care and the patient and family experience, to ensure optimal communication, discharge, handoffs, transitions, health literacy, and more.
WIHI is pleased to welcome the Picker Institute's Executive Director, Lucile Hanscom, to the program on September 8, along with consultant Dale Shaller, who has an extensive history developing benchmarks and measurement systems for patient-centered care. They'll be joined by dynamic leaders from two organizations that have received Always Events Challenge Grants: Gaye Smith of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tony DiGioia of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Always Events®: Raising Expectations for Patient Experience?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Federally Qualified Health Center Advanced Primary Care Practice (FQHC APCP) demonstration project that will fund FQHCs to coordinate care for Medicare patients. This demonstration project, operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in partnership with the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), will test the effectiveness of doctors and other health professionals working in teams to improve care for up to 195,000 Medicare patients.
The FQHC Advanced Primary Care Practice demonstration will show how the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model can improve quality of care, promote better health, and lower costs. Participating FQHCs are expected to achieve Level 3 PCMH recognition, help patients manage chronic conditions, as well as actively coordinate care for patients. To help participating FQHCs make these investments in patient care and infrastructure, they will be paid a monthly care management fee for each eligible Medicare beneficiary receiving primary care services. In return, FQHCs agree to adopt care coordination practices that are recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). CMS and HRSA will provide technical assistance to help FQHCs achieve these goals.
FQHCs that have provided medical services to at least 200 Medicare beneficiaries in the previous 12-month period. Applications for the project will be accepted from June 6, 2011 through August 12, 2011, and the demonstration will be conducted September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2014.
The Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care announces this special invitation to patient and family leaders serving in a paid position in a hospital or health care system. Please complete the Institute's just-released second annual Salary Survey for Patient/Family Leaders in Paid Positions.
The Institute continues to receive many requests about the structure of health care providers' paid positions for patient and family leaders. Information of interest includes types of positions, various titles, and salary ranges. Please provide current information regarding patient and family leaders employed in your facility, or pass this request on to the appropriate person in your organization to provide this information for the survey. Individual responses-about position structure, title, and salary range-will remain confidential, but the aggregate results will be posted on the Institute's website. The results will provide updated information to health care systems and patient/family leaders for developing these positions to advance the practice of patient- and family-centered care and strengthen these partnerships.
If your health care system is in the process of recruiting a patient/family leader for a recently created or vacated position, or if your employed patient/family leader will be unable to respond to this survey before it closes, the supervisor overseeing this position may complete the survey.
The survey will be open until Friday, July 8, 5:00 pm ET.
Please feel free to forward the survey link to appropriate individuals.
A day-long workshop, made possible by the generous support of the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, will be held in Chicago, May 25, 2011, at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). Featured speakers will highlight the positive outcomes of involving patients and family members in the creative design process across acute and long-term healthcare settings. For more information...
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) promotes Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) Celebration: March 6-12, 2011
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) is the founding sponsor of Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) that will be celebrated this year March 6-12. Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual education and awareness campaign for health care safety. Check out the 2011 NPSF Video and learn more about the 2011 PSAW Toolkit.
The Child Life Council (CLC) is pleased to announce the availability of two international scholarships to attend the 2011 CLC Annual Conference on Professional Issues in Chicago, Illinois, May 26-29, 2011
Each scholarship will cover registration for the conference, up to five nights lodging at the conference hotel, actual cost of economy round-trip airfare up to but not exceeding $1,800 U.S., and a small stipend for meals and incidentals.
Applicants may be from any country outside North America. Applications are encouraged from Certified Child Life Specialists. The award process will look most favorably on applicants who are professional practitioners or administrators in a position to be able to introduce, or greatly enhance, the use of child life practice and principles in healthcare facilities in their country or part of the world. Individuals from countries that are classified as developing or emerging economies are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be proficient in English, as that is the language that all presentations are delivered in at the Annual Conference.
Applications must be received no later than February 18, 2011. Application Form.
Health Care's Newest Improvers: Patient and Family Advisors
Check out the Institute for Healthcare Improvement WIHI this week: Health Care's Newest Improvers: Patient and Family Advisors. It is happening this Thursday, March 10, 2011, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time. WIHI is a "talk show" program from IHI. It is designed to help dedicated legions of health care improvers worldwide keep up with some of the freshest and most robust thinking and strategies for improving patient care. A 60-minute program is offered live every other week. Recordings of previous broadcasts are archived and available for listening. WIHI provides an opportunity to meet up with colleagues who want to improve patient care and shape a true health reform agenda. Read more...
Announcing the National Patient Safety Foundation's Call for Nominations for the 2011 Socius Award
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) is accepting nominations for the 2011 Socius Award. The Socius Award recognizes work that promotes positive and effective partnering between patients, families, and providers in pursuit of improved patient safety. Recognition of the importance of patient- and family-centered care and the critical role that patients and families play in the development and implementation of patient safety solutions must be at the core. Additionally, the work must recognize the positive contributions of providers in the creation of effective partnership. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00pm ET, Monday, January 31, 2011. Nomination Form.
In addition, the NPSF also is accepting nominations for its Chairman's Medal, awarded in recognition of emerging leadership in the patient safety field; the Stand Up for Patient Safety Management Award, a management award granted to a member hospital of the National Patient Safety Foundation's Stand Up for Patient Safety™ program, in recognition of the successful implementation of an outstanding patient safety initiative led or created by mid-level management; and The Doctor's Company Foundation Young Physicians Award, recognizing physicians-in-training for their deep personal insight into the significance of patient safety work. The Doctors Company Foundation is partnering with the Lucian Leape Institute at the National Patient Safety Foundation to award six medical students, or first year residents, $5,000, plus registration and travel expenses to attend the 2011 NPSF Annual Congress.
All awards will be presented at the NPSF Annual Congress, May 25-27, in National Harbor, Washington, DC.
For more information, submission requirements, and deadlines, read more...
Final Rule Requires Equal Visitation Rights for All Hospital Patients
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued a final rule for Medicare- and Medicaid-participating hospitals that protects patients' right to choose their own visitors during a hospital stay, including a visitor who is a same-sex domestic partner. A key provision of the rules specifies that all visitors chosen by the patient (or his or her representative) must be able to enjoy "full and equal" visitation privileges consistent with the wishes of the patient (or his or her representative).
"These rules put non-clinical decisions about who can visit a patient out of the hands of those who deliver care and into the hands of those who receive it," said CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, MD, MPP. "While we still have miles to go in making care more patient-centered, these rules make it easier for hospitals to deliver on some of the fundamental tenets of patient-centered care-care that recognizes and respects the patient as an individual with unique needs, who treated with dignity and granted the power of informed choice." Read more...
Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Health Care Quality and Safety in the Hospital Setting
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published a notice of its intent to seek Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to collect information using its Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Health Care Quality and Safety in the Hospital Setting. Comments on this notice must be received by January 14, 2011. See 75 FED REG 69674 (NOVEMBER 15, 2010).
Announcing the Picker Institute's Always Events™ Challenge Grant Program Request for Proposals
Announcing the Picker Institute's Request for Proposals (RFP) for its new Always Events™ (AE) Challenge Grant Program. This program will provide matching grants to support the development and execution of innovative projects designed to demonstrate how to implement the Always Events™ concept in practice. Always Events™ are defined as "those aspects of the patient and family experience that should always occur when patients interact with health care professionals and the delivery system." The overall intent of the demonstration projects is to encourage development and adoption of strategies, programs, and processes for achieving selected Always Events™ that can be replicated across a variety of healthcare delivery settings, and thus contribute to widespread improvements in patient- and family-centered care.
Picker Institute expects to fund up to 12 deserving proposals in the amount of up to $50,000 per grant for a period of one year. All awards will be made on a matching grant basis. A Letter of Intent (LOI) in response to the RFP is due by November 8, 2010. Applicants who pass the LOI evaluation process will be invited to submit a full proposal, due on or before January 17, 2011. AE Challenge Grant awards will be announced on March 7, 2011.
Learn more about the Picker Institute...
Check out the the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) docket to read the public comments submitted in response to the proposed rulemaking, in response to President Obama's April 15, 2010 memorandum on Hospital Visitation.
Update on Nomination of Donald Berwick to Head CMS
On July 7, 2010, President Obama made a recess appointment to name Don Berwick, MD, to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Read Don Berwick's Yale Medical School commencement address delivered to the 2010 graduating class.
The Institute staff extends deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Polly Arango who died on June 26, 2010. Learn more about plans to honor Polly and to share your memories.
Director for Patient Education and Health Literacy
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is seeking a Director for Patient Education and Health Literacy to lead the implementation of health literacy standards for Vanderbilt Hospitals, which includes 600-bed Vanderbilt University Medical Center and The Monroe Carrell Children's Hospital; Vanderbilt Medical Group and Clinic, with over 1,200 physicians; and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, ranked #15 in US News and World Reports annual ranking of graduate medical education.
This newly created position will establish the strategic plan for the Health Information Center, oversee the development of patient education content and material, and coordinate metrics to measure communication effectiveness. Focusing on operational partnerships, this highly visible role will initiate graphic and readability standards across the medical center and support new patient education programs. This role reports directly to the Director of Patient and Family Centered Care.
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Seeking Applications from Patients and Patient Activists
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is now seeking applications from patients and patient activists who have played an important role in advancing the safety of care in their communities interested in participating in the first Leadership Summit for Patient Activists and Partners in Quality and Safety.
On Sunday, December 5, 2010, IHI will gather 50 patients and patient activists for a half-day formal session at the 22nd Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care in Orlando, FL.
Application Process:
Patients and patient activists interested in applying will be asked to fill out the questions in the application below and submit to Jenna Ward (jward@ihi.org) at IHI by October 8, 2010. All applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Summit Steering Committee and invitations to attend will be sent in mid-October.
Those invited to attend the Leadership Summit will receive complimentary registration to the National Forum, December 5-8th, four nights at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL, and reimbursement for up to $400 in round trip airfare.
The following criteria will be considered in selecting participants:
- Significant experience interacting with health care providers as a patient or the caregiver of a patient
- Experience or capacity to advocate and catalyze action to improve patient safety
- Ability to articulate their personal story with health care and generalize the lessons for others
- Ability to attend the National Forum in Orlando, Florida from December 5th - December 8th, 2010
- Desire to form an ongoing coalition of change agents with the ability to continue discussions and meeting beyond the 22nd Annual National Forum event
Click here to download the application form.
Pinwheel Scholarship Offered to Pinwheel Sponsors!
Pinwheel Sponsors can register for a chance to win the Pinwheel Scholarship for the upcoming Pinehurst Hospitals and Communities Moving Forward with Patient- and Family-Centered Care Intensive Training Seminar, November 1-4, 2010! To participate in this random drawing, please contact the Institute no later than Tuesday, September 14, before 5 pm (EST). Simply send an email to aselinger@ipfcc.org or call 301-652-0281.
The scholarship includes the seminar registration fee (registration value: $1390 for health care professionals/individuals; $790 for a patient/family member) as well as resource materials and working meals.
To participate, your organization must agree to accept this scholarship if selected. The winner will be notified on September 15.
IFCC Salary Survey for Patient/Family Leaders in Paid Positions
Thank you to all who recently participated in the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care's short survey for patient and family leaders who serve in paid positions within hospitals or health care systems. The results of the survey are now available.
Developing a Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Health Care Quality and Safety in the Hospital Setting
In September 2009, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) awarded a multi-year grant to a team of organizations led by the American Institutes for Research to develop, evaluate, and implement a Guide to Patient and Family Engagement to improve patient safety in hospitals.
The Institute is honored to be a member of the team that includes Carilion Health Clinic, Consumers Advancing Patient Safety, the Joint Commission, and the Health Research and Education Trust. Read the press release and watch our web site for more information about this exciting initiative.
Three Picker Award winners took the stage at ISQua's 26th International Conference
Picker Institute, a major sponsor of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), is represented at the organization's annual international conference with the Picker Awards and Picker Institute-sponsored education sessions addressing the Positive Patient Experience.
Three Picker Award winners took the stage at ISQua's 26th international conference Oct. 11-14 in Dublin, Ireland, to discuss "How to achieve outstanding patient- and family-centered care: methods and tools."
Susan Frampton, the president of Planetree, spoke on "How to achieve optimal patient encounters in hospitals." Planetree received the organizational Picker Award in 2006.
Margaret O'Kane talked about "Accountability and patient-centered care." The winner of the 2009 individual Picker Award, O'Kane is founder and president of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Beverley Johnson is the president and CEO of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care, which received the 2009 organizational Picker Award. Her presentation focused on "How patients and their families can help providers achieve better patient- and family-centered care."
IFCC Salary Survey for Patient/Family Leaders in Paid Positions
Thank you to all who recently participated in the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care's short survey for patient and family leaders who serve in paid positions within hospitals or health care systems. The results of the survey will be presented at the Institute's Hospitals and Communities Moving Forward with Patient- and Family-Centered Care training seminar, April 19-22, 2010 in Dallas, Texas, and the survey results also will be posted on the Institute's website following the seminar. Survey Results
American Academy on Communication in Healthcare (AACH) Offers Annual ENRICH Course this June
The American Academy on Communication in Healthcare (AACH) offers an annual ENRICH (Enriching Relationships in Communication in Healthcare) course on how to teach communication and relationship skills. This year's course, Using the Keys to Clinical Quality, Patient Safety, and Patients' Experiences of Care, jointly sponsored by Lifespan, the American Academy on Communication in Healthcare, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, is June 11-15, 2010, at the Campus of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
The Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care Receives 2009 Picker Organizational Award for Excellence® in the Advancement of Patient-Centered Care
The Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care received the 2009 Picker Organizational Award for Excellence® in the Advancement of Patient-Centered Care. The Picker Institute presented this award at the International Society for Quality in Health Care's (ISQua) International Conference, in Dublin, Ireland on October 12, 2009, "In recognition of the success of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care in advancing patient-and family-centered care in all settings where individuals receive care and support."
Upon accepting the award on behalf of the Institute, Bev Johnson, President and CEO, stated: "Thank you. It is indeed an honor to accept this lovely award from the Picker Institute on behalf of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care. I still vividly remember when... Read more...
The 2009 Picker Award for Excellence® in the Advancement of Patient-Centered Care
The Picker Institute selected three entities to receive the 2009 Picker Award for Excellence® in the Advancement of Patient-Centered Care. The Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care received the organizational award, "In recognition of the success of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care in advancing patient- and family-centered care in all settings where individuals receive care and support." Margaret E. O'Kane received an individual award, "In recognition of her leadership of the National Committee for Quality Assurance and her lifetime achievement in improving patient-centered health care through measurement, reporting and accountability." Dr. Bill Thomas also won an individual award "In recognition of his outstanding achievements in envisioning and implementing a new paradigm for long-term care that focuses on nurturing and sustaining a meaningful life for the aging." Read more...
Congratulations to our Pinwheel Champion Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center!
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston received the Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) 2010 Family-Centered Care Award which will be presented in January. This award is presented to one hospital or intensive care unit in order to "recognize innovation that improves the care provided to critically ill and injured patients and their families." SCCM is the largest multiprofessional organization focused on critical care, with more than 14,000 members in 80 countries. Read more...
Partnering with Patients and Families to Enhance Safety and Quality: A Mini Toolkit
Partnering with Patients and Families to Enhance Safety and Quality: A Mini Toolkit is ready for debut on the website in the download section
The 4th International Conference Materials available at the IFCC Live Learning Center
View educational content from The 4th International Conference on Patient- and Family-Centered Care. Many Conference Handouts can be downloaded for free. Audio recordings of the Conference are available for purchase in MP3 CD-Rom sets or online. Purchase the entire set or select individual sessions. Go to the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care's Live Learning Center
In response to feedback from constituents NICHQ is delighted to announce the rejoining of their two signature events, The Obesity Congress and the Annual Forum for Improving Children's Healthcare, to be held March 8-11, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Folding these two important events into one comprehensive summit will allow attendees with travel and budget restraints to maximize their conference attendance, which is increasingly important in today's turbulent economy. The Annual Forum for Improving Children's Healthcare and Childhood Obesity Congress promises to be the largest pediatric quality conference in the US, and by pairing with the Childhood Obesity Congress, will feature best practices in childhood obesity assessment, prevention and treatment. For further information on the Annual Forum, visit NICHQ's Web site at www.nichq.org or contact Laura Falvey, NICHQ Forum Project Coordinator:
Phone: (617) 391-2712
Fax: (617) 391-2701
Pandemic Planning and Patient- and Family-Centered Care
With the arrival of H1N1 influenza, hospitals and clinics are working to prevent or limit disease transmission. At the most recent seminar held in Minnesota, the Institute created a working group of patient and family leaders, clinicians, and administrators to develop a resource to help pandemic planners incorporate the core concepts of patient- and family-centered care in their decision-making and policy development.
The Institute welcomes your review and feedback on the resource before we finalize it and post it as a download on our website. You may mark it up and fax a copy to the Institute or email your suggestions to us. We would like to hear from you by December 30th. Also let us know if these guidelines result in changes in policy or practices regarding pandemic planning and patient- and family-centered care, and, if so, please give us specific examples.
Download copy for review and feedback.
2009 American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize®
Congratulations to Institute Pinwheel Champion, Bronson Methodist Hospital, of the Bronson Healthcare Group! Bronson Methodist is the recipient of the 2009 AHA-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize. Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan was selected by a multi-disciplinary committee of health care quality and patient safety experts based on its culture of quality and efforts to achieve the Institute of Medicine's six quality aims for health care.
The American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize is presented annually to honor leadership and innovation in quality, safety, and commitment to patient care. The criteria for the 2009 award include the demonstration of an organizational commitment to achieving the Institute of Medicine's six quality aims: safety, patient-centeredness, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and equity. Read More...
Kudos to another Pinwheel Champion, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston, Massachusetts, which was named as the finalist for the American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize. BIDMC's goal of eliminating all preventable harm by 2012, emphasizes leadership and transparency to help the hospital move toward that important goal. BIDMC's strong values of reliability, safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness and equity are reinforced throughout the organization. Read more...
Review the new 2010 AHA Quest for Quality Prize criteria and consider applying for this prestigious honor.
Bravo Pinwheel Sponsors!
Congratulations to many of our Pinwheel Sponsors, five of which are in the top 16 on the 2009-2010 Honor Roll for America's Best Hospitals, six of which are on the top ten list of 2009 Honor Roll of the Best Children's Hospitals, and ten of which are on the list of the 100 Most Wired Hospitals or Hospital Systems. Read More...
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Recognizes the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care
In a letter informing all hospitals in Massachusetts of their obligation to form Patient and Family Advisory Committees by October 1, 2010, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts stated, "The Institute for Family Centered Care has identified core concepts of patient and family-centered care as respect and dignity, information sharing, participation and collaboration. The Institute for Family Centered Care is a valuable resource for materials in developing a PFAC." Read the entire letter.
U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Healthcare 411 Podcasts
Check out the podcasts from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Healthcare 411, which features current news and information on advancing excellence in health care. A recent podcast, What You Need to Know About Community-Based Patient Safety Advisory Councils, showcases the concept that consumers as part of patient safety advisory councils help to reduce health care risks and improve the quality of care.
Many health care organizations know that patients are some of the strongest and most articulate advocates for patient safety improvements-and are welcomed as part of the team by creating community-based patient safety advisory councils that encourage patients, clinicians, and organizational leadership to work together. This 3-minute podcast features an interview with AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy who discusses how health care organizations in the U.S. are creating these councils to help reduce health care risks and improve health care quality. AHRQ also has a Guide for Developing a Community-Based Patient Safety Advisory Council available online.
Healthcare 411 is a news series produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
University of British Columbia (UBC) Interprofessional Continuing Education Accepting Abstract Submissions
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Interprofessional Continuing Education, a non-profit organization that provides multidisciplinary conferences to health professionals and the community on health-related issues is accepting abstract submissions until September 15, 2009 for its upcoming Conference:
Fourth National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder April 14 - 17, 2010 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
This conference will bring together a diverse group of professionals and families to share research, experience, and practice to sustain and enhance the lives of adolescents and adults with FASD, their families, service providers, and communities.
For further information, please visit www.interprofessional.ubc.ca or contact 604-822-7524 or via e-mail ipad@interchange.ubc.ca.
Building Bridges Across Canada by Linking Pediatric Patient & Family Advisory Groups
The Canadian Family Advisory Network (CFAN) was formed in 2002 to link family advisory groups that are involved with paediatric acute care, rehabilitation, regions and hospices across Canada. Our members have experience from across all health sectors and are a mix of family representatives and staff liaisons.
CFAN encourages and facilitates the participation of families in making excellent, family-centered healthcare for children and youth a reality throughout Canada by:
- Providing a means for the otherwise quite isolated groups to share information and advice about recruitment, retention, reporting relationships, family participation in patient safety initiatives and the education of professionals and trainees.
- Ensuring that the voices of families are heard in discussions and debates in national, provincial, and regional arenas about the health of children and youth and about the healthcare services that are (or should be) available to them and their families.
- Serving as a resource to any organization that wishes to collaborate with families in projects aimed at improving the health of children and youth.
For more information:
http://www.caphc.org/partnerships_cfan_about.html
U.S. News & World Report releases its Annual "Best Children's Hospitals" Honor Roll
U.S. News & World Report has released its 20th annual list of the nation's "Best Children's Hospitals," this year forgoing its traditional overarching best hospital list and instead creating an "Honor Roll" containing facilities that earned a spot on the top-30 lists for all 10 specialties surveyed.
New this year is a reflection of the extent to which a hospital involves parents and families in care. It applies to all pediatric specialties and is worth up to five points: one point for having a parent advisory committee, plus one point if the committee meets at least three times a year, and up to three additional points if the hospital involves:
- At least one parent or family member as an active member of the strategic or facility committee;
- At least one parent or family member as an active member of one or more standing committees (e.g., quality improvement, patient safety, ethics); and
- Parents or family members regularly in clinical decision making in ways such as family-centered rounds, care conferences, or other participatory programs.
Read the entire methodological report
New Book on Child Life Features Chapter on Family-Centered Care
The just released The Handbook of Child Life ~ A Guide for Pediatric Psychosocial Care features an entire chapter devoted to Family-Centered Care. In the chapter: Family-Centered Care and the Implications for Child Life Practice, co-authored by Beverley Johnson, President and CEO of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care, family-centered care is defined and its history and benefits are explored. The chapter captures the perspectives of patients and families, health care providers, institutions, and the system. Included are practical applications and suggestions to support all the elements of family-centered care, such as performance standards and descriptions, evaluation tools to assess programmatic and individual efforts, and a discussion about providing culturally competent care.
The book is edited by Richard H. Thompson, PH.D, and published in 2009 by Charles C. Thomas Publisher, LTD.
For more information, see the Child Life Council.
North Carolina Medical Journal Features Article on Patient- and Family-Centered Care
The March/April edition of the North Carolina Medical Journal features the article, Patient- and Family-Centered Care: Partnerships for Quality and Safety, written by the Beverley H. Johnson; Marie R. Abraham, MA; and Terri L. Shelton, PhD. The focus of this edition of the Journal is the patient and his or her family; it reexamines the entire medical model and attempts to shift the focus toward the patient to provide health care that is patient-centered.
The authors point out that an accumulating body of research demonstrates that patient- and family-centered care benefits everyone involved and its benefits are substantial. The article addresses the national momentum towards patient- and family-centered care, the adoption of the principles of the medical home, the Joint Commission's patient safety goals, and highlights exemplary programs in North Carolina.
To read this exciting article, or the entire issue...
Family-Centered Multidisciplinary Rounds Enhance the Team Approach in Pediatrics
The recent article Family-centered Multidisciplinary Rounds Enhance the Team Approach in Pediatrics, is published in PEDIATRICS, the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The article concludes that "Family-centered multidisciplinary rounds is a method of conducting inpatient hospital rounds that fosters teamwork and empowers hospital staff. The patient and family are engaged in and are the focal point of the rounds. Staff members are able to hear everyone's perspective and give input. The impact on staff satisfaction and the family's ability to participate in their care is significant." To read more about this study, see the PEDIATRICS website.
Pandemic Planning and Patient- and Family-Centered Care
With the arrival of H1N1 influenza hospitals and clinics began making decisions about policies and practices to aid in
efforts to prevent disease transmission. In October 2009, a working group was convened during the Institute's Hospitals and Communities Moving Forward with Patient- and Family-Centered Care Intensive Training Seminar in Minneapolis, MN to create a set of guidelines that reflect the core concepts of patient- and family-centered care when developing a pandemic plan. During any outbreak of infectious disease, it is important to take steps to
contain the illness and to remember that family members are stewards of patient safety and integral to the healing of loved ones. The continued presence of a family member with a patient, during a pandemic has both safety and
psychological components. Read More...
Johnson & Johnson Arts in Healthcare Grant Deadline: October 15, 2009
Through health education and development, Johnson & Johnson aims to build skills and health literacy among a broad range of people serving community health needs, ultimately increasing community support, involvement and leadership in the public health arena. In keeping with this strategy, Johnson & Johnson working in conjunction with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, seeks to engage community healthcare workers, caregivers, families and artists in the practice of arts in healthcare. Grant applicants must be a member of Society for the Arts in Healthcare for consideration. Info: http://thesah.org/template/page.cfm?page_id=15
American Academy on Communication in Healthcare (AACH)
The American Academy on Communication in Healthcare (AACH) works to improve "the effectiveness of healthcare by focusing on education, research and practice in communication and partnerships among patients, families and healthcare teams." Among other events, AACH offers an annual ENRICH (Enriching Relationships in Communication in Healthcare) course on how to teach communication and relationship skills.
This year's course, Promoting Excellence: Relationship-Centered Care and Collaborative Communication, jointly sponsored by the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and the American Academy on Communication in Healthcare, will be June 23-27, 2009, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota. The course will focus on teaching communication and relationship skills on health care teams. For all members of the care team-including patient and families-improved communication and relationship skills can facilitate working together more effectively to deliver patient- and family-centered care.
The course will address four aspects for building a system to ensure the highest quality patient care; one that encourages openness, "flattens the hierarchy" to enhance full disclosure of vital information, and supports teams of committed, skilled individuals who work together across many different disciplines:
- Promoting fundamental relationship-centered care;
- Anticipating and managing unexpected healthcare outcomes;
- Developing high-performance teams; and
- Cultivating relationship-centered leadership.
For more information, see the links below.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is offering the last webinar in the Medical Home Implementation CME Series "Incorporating Family Participation Practices Into Your Practice and Project" on June 24th at 11:00am CDT (12:00pm EDT/10:00am MDT/9:00am PDT).
Participants will:
- Learn how to gain buy in and involve parents/caregivers in planning and implementing their projects and practice.
- Understand the opportunities for different levels of family participation in their projects and practice.
- Evaluate ways to maintain and sustain family participation in their projects and practice.
The PFACnetwork
The PFACnetwork is a listserv for anyone interested in the work of patient and family advisory councils. The PFACnetwork listserv currently has more than 250 participants. Members of the PFACnetwork often want to share documents-such as bylaws, forms, brochures, policies, job descriptions, research-with each other. To address this need, the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care created a space on its website for the exclusive use of the PFACnetwork members to share and review documents consistent with the principles of patient- and family-centered care. The Institute hopes that facilitating this sharing of materials will foster the development of best practices in all areas of patient- and family-centered care.
Members of PFAC, check out what is currently posted on our new page: PFAC Resources and Materials, from Tools for Change.
Want to post a document? Do you have questions or comments? Please contact Joanna Kaufman at jkaufman@ipfcc.org or e-mail: Institute@ipfcc.org.
