Patient & Family Advisory Committee

Together, there’s no limit to what we can do

Although physicians and medical staff help guide and provide care, patients and family members are highly informed and vocal voices on any health care team. We created the Patient & Family Advisory Committee to bring the point of view of those who have experienced care at VCU Health into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of care for others.

As an advisor, you will partner with an amazing community of peers, providers, and other team members. Your participation will help us provide the most comprehensive, safest, and highest quality care.

If you or a family member been a patient at VCU Health during the past two years, you can become a patient and family advisor to others. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Share your experiences to help improve the VCU Health experience for others;
• Feel great knowing that you are making a difference;
• Gain an insider’s look at healthcare and improvement efforts;
• Participate in patient and family advisory committees to help shape care in a particular area; and,
• Contribute to the design or redesign of facilities and processes of facilities.

Providing top-notch care means sharing feedback and helping others see things from a different perspective. See what we’re talking about by signing up to become an advisor today.

“I have learned so many important facts being a part of this committee. We talk about issues that are necessary to know about life. Talking about topics that give guidance on how to take better care of our loved ones. I am honored to have been asked to be on this committee so I can share my ideas and thoughts with the group.” – Hope Witcher, Patient & Family Advisor, Complex Care PFAC 

Ways to get involved

Our Patient & Family Advisors are actively partnering with team members throughout VCU Health to improve the patient and family experience. There are a number of different opportunities for patient and families to partner with us.

Patient & Family Advisory Committees (PFAC)

Advisory committees are structured groups of patients, family members, and VCU Health team members who meet regularly to provide constructive feedback on a range of topics affecting the patient and family experience. Most committees meet monthly or quarterly, with meetings held at varying locations and times.

Hospital Committees and Workgroups

Patient & Family Advisors also partner with VCU Health team members by volunteering to represent the patient and family perspective on standing committees and quality improvement projects. Most groups meet monthly, however, some committees may meet more (or less) frequently. The location and meeting times of these projects vary.

E-Advisors

Many of our patients and family members are unable to serve on committees for a variety of reasons – location, disability, or scheduling conflicts. As an E-Advisor, you join an online list of patients and family members who review materials and complete survey’s providing quick access to the patient and family perspective.

Become a patient and family advisor

Click here to become an advisor. By filling out the form, we can learn more about you and best match the committee to your area of interest. Once we receive your completed form, we will contact you within a few days to discuss next steps.

“I am so grateful to be a part of this committee. I have learned things that have been helpful to me and my family and friends. I also am proud to think that my input maybe helping someone else. This experience has been wonderful and fulfilling.” – Clifford Massenberg, Complex Care PFAC and VCU Health PFAC