What is the typical makeup of a Patient and Family Advisory Council?

The typical makeup of a Patient and Family Advisory Council often emphasizes the representation of patients and family members as primary stakeholders in the healthcare experience. The rationale for having approximately 80% patients and family members combined with 20% staff is to ensure that the voice of those directly affected by the care processes is predominately featured in discussions and decisions.

This composition allows patients and family members to provide insights based on their personal experiences, which can significantly impact the quality of care and the development of patient-centered policies. Involving staff members, though limited in number, serves to bridge the gap between the patient's perspective and organizational goals, ensuring that staff can understand and consider the input from the patients and families while maintaining operational feasibility.

By structuring the council this way, healthcare organizations can foster a collaborative environment where the authentic experiences of patients and families are prioritized, leading to improved patient engagement and satisfaction outcomes.