What is the Family Advisory Council?
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) was formed in 1998 and serves as an advisory committee to the Board of Directors, administration, and hospital staff. The council's mission is to work in partnership with hospital staff to promote the delivery of Patient and Family Centered Care.
Core Concepts of Patient- and Family-Centered Care
- Respect and Dignity. Health care providers listen, consider and honor the views and preferences of patients and their family perspectives. The planning and delivery of care for each patient takes into account the values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds of the patient family.
- Information Sharing. Providers communicate and share completed and unbiased information with patient families in a supportive, clear, and timely manner so that patient families can effectively participate in care and decision-making.
- Participation. Patient families are empowered to take part in the care and decision-making to the extent that they are comfortable and willing.
- Collaboration. Patients, families, health care providers, and health care leaders work together in shaping policies, the development, implementation and evaluation of programs, facility design, education and research efforts, as well as the delivery of care.
The Family Advisory Council is made up of parents in the community who are actively engaged and communicating with the hospital. FAC members identify the needs and priorities of patients and families by providing experience-based feedback to promote positive changes in the hospital and work on annual goals. It also encourage parents to become their child’s #1 advocate through education and a fluid relationship with their care team. This empowers parents to ask questions and grow as they learn about their child’s medical needs.
Membership
Membership consists of individuals who subscribe to the purpose and responsibilities of Nicklaus Children's Hospital Family Advisory Council. Family members are parents, grandparents, or guardians of children who have been patients.
To be eligible for membership FAC applicants need to attend three consecutive meetings as a prospective member, complete an application, meet with the Membership Liaison and be selected for membership. The council meets the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM with the exception of the months of July and August.
In order to maintain membership, members are asked to attend a minimum of seven meetings yearly plus the January meeting where the annual Goals are discussed. If a member is unable to satisfy the minimum attendance requirements, FAC member will need to re-apply for membership in the future.
Apply for Membership
Responsibilities of the members of the FAC
- Provide a vital link between Nicklaus Children's Hospital and the families it serves.
- Provide feedback on delivery of services for all children and their families.
- Review issues and concerns referred to the Family Advisory Council and provide recommendations to the hospital.
- Participate in the development of guidelines and policies.
- Assist in the planning of new facilities and services.
- Volunteer to be on hospital committees and/or FAC projects.
Family Advisory Council Accomplishments
Amazing Patient Care
- Nursing Bedside Hand Off / Bedside Shift Report
- Collaborated to develop special diet menus and allergen icons, as a result F&N presented this initiative at national conference.
- Anonymous Patient Experience: Secret Shopper Program
- Provide feedback and guidance on the aspects of the construction, design, colors, finishes, and furniture for the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower
Operational Excellence
- Home Dosing Resources
- Pill Swallowing and Medication Compliance
- Medication Reconciliation
- Adaptive Care Program Development
- Digital Safety Alliance press conference
- Retail Offerings sub-committee provided an audit of the gift ship space and shared valuable recommendations based on their findings
Legacy Accomplishments
- Developed Q.U.E.S.T (tool that encourages families to ask questions regarding care)
- Have led activities for National Patient Safety Awareness Week
- Led the design of the Michael Fux Family Center
- Participated in the design of the Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion
- Serve as members of the Patient Safety Committee
- Assisted in the development of the Ambulatory Surgery Information Card
- Continue participating in the Customer Service Excellence Program
Testimonials from FAC Members
“We spend a lot of time at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, both inpatient and outpatient, to work with numerous specialists. I chose to get involved with the Family Advisory Council for three main reasons. First and foremost, I want this hospital to be the best that it can be, so I'm excited to offer my insight. Second, I enjoy being able to participate in the development of new programs – it's empowering to be able to listen to staff from various departments make presentations and they greatly value our feedback. Last but not least, my family and I enjoy the camaraderie of the other families at the monthly meetings and special events. I encourage other families to join the FAC for these reasons, and many more!”
– Andrea Abramowitz
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