Person & Family Engagement in Action

Patients and their Care Team Working Together to Improve Care

True person and family engagement (PFE) occurs when there is a mutual partnership between patients, families/caregivers, and the care team. Strategies for effective partnership in the practice can be as diverse as the communities served.  As practices nationwide transition through various phases of transformation, there is growing evidence of the lasting impact person and family engagement has on health care cost, quality, and care.

Share your PFE experience

Read the experiences of patients, families, and clinicians below to learn more about the different ways PFE can be integrated in the practice! Make a connection on social media or visit their website for more information!

Changing Systems of Care

“There is enormous power and possibility for transformation in, straightforwardly, sharing one’s experiences and being open to engaging in dialogue with staff and leadership about solutions.  The goal – always – is to change systems of care.”

Sandy C. (Patient)

Boston, MA

Walking in the Patient's Shoes

"Before working with patient and family advisors, I was only guessing what it must be like in a patient’s shoes. Partnering with PFAs gave me a new perspective and hope that I’m making the hospital experience just a little better.

Apryl S. Lewis (Clinician)

Atlanta, GA

There's No Place Like a Medical Home!

"In a small community like Desert Senita; people’s stories make an impression. Hearing those stories of neighbors and the community inspire the clinic to be creative in how to address the challenges." 

Cynthia C. (QIA)

Ajo, AZ

Understanding the Patient Perspective

"Understanding the role of health literacy in patient engagement was key to making the changes to outreach process that resulted in better patient responses."

Stella G. (QIA)

Venice, CA

Changing Systems of Care

“There is enormous power and possibility for transformation in, straightforwardly, sharing one’s experiences and being open to engaging in dialogue with staff and leadership about solutions.  The goal – always – is to change systems of care.”

Sandy C. (Patient)

Boston, MA

Memorial Health Sign

The Center of Care

“I am here because I want to help my doctor’s office the way they have helped me the past 12 years. They have always steered me in the right direction with my health. So whatever I can do to give back to my doctor’s office, I’m happy to do.

Savannah, GA

Improved Performance

"Person Family Engagement strategies are a low tech/low cost way to accelerate the process of transformation with the patients at the center of the process."

Mary Reeves, M.D. (Clinician)

Salida, CO

Leading the Way to a Healthier You

Metro Health

“If you want change, you have to be part of it – from the inside!  ‘The powers that be’ at MetroHealth really listen but patients and families have to tell them what they need.”

Brenda M. (Patient)

Cleveland, OH

Make a Difference

"Our PFE is in a rudimentary phase. I always wanted to do more in my department and I feel good about the start we have made. But we get stuck sometimes on the implementation how-to's. I'm always seeking ideas and tools from others.

Sabiha Raoof, M.D. (Clinician)

New York, NY

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