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BWH recently had the opportunity to host a conference about a philosophy deeply ingrained in its mission and strategic commitments: patient- and family-centered care.
From Nov. 3 through 6 at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, 450 attendees, including patient advisors, physicians, nurses and staff from hospitals across the country, gathered for the annual Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care (IPFCC) conference to share research and best practices for improving patient- and family-centered care.
Many of BWH’s 65 participants, including 12 patient advisors, shared their own experiences and research, from the NICU and Obstetrics to medical harm, patient transport and innovative design. “There was a very profound and powerful moment when our patient advisors shared their stories of care experiences,” said Maureen Fagan, DNP, MHA, executive director of BWH’s Center for Patients and Families. “I watched as hundreds of attendees listened and absorbed these stories, experiencing them through new eyes.” These stories help to motivate attendees to transform practices back at their own hospitals.
New to the conference this year was a track for medical and surgical residents and fellows, an opportunity to educate physician-trainees about improving quality and safety when incorporating families and patients into the care team. Eight residents attended the conference and were mentored by Chief Medical Officer Stan Ashley, MD, and BWH hospitalists Robert Boxer, MD, PhD, John Co, MD, MPH, and Esteban Gershanik, MD.
BWH’s commitment to patient- and family-centered care extends far across its many departments and disciplines. In 2007, the Center for Patients and Families created the Patient and Family Advisory Council, which works with leadership and clinical staff to create an environment of patient- and family-centered care across the entire institution, and provides feedback on care activities at BWH. BWH is now home to 16 patient and family advisory groups, and involves patients and families on quality, safety and education committees and as advisors and co-investigators on research studies.
Conference attendees heard about some of the efforts in which patients and families are partnering with BWH scientific investigators on studies that benefit from their experience, such as one focusing on communication between caregiver, patient and family.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated group of patients and families who guide us by generously sharing their own experiences and insights,” said Jackie Somerville, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services. “It has made us a warmer and more compassionate place for all who come to us for care or who entrust us with the care of their loved ones.”