The Patient/Family Experience Advisory Program at Ohio State embraces patients and families as partners of our healthcare team. We care about creating positive future experiences and look to those who have “been through it” to provide suggestions and input on various topics related to the patient experience. These volunteer roles provides current and previous patients or primary caregivers a voice in improvement efforts throughout the medical center and consists of two pathways:
- Patient/Family Advisory Councils are committees that meet on a regular basis throughout the year and include patients, family members and staff working together on programs, services, and initiatives that impact the overall patient experience. They offer insights and recommendations for improving quality, service, safety, access, education, and satisfaction.
- Patient/Family Experience Advisors are credentialed hospital volunteers who are assigned to hospital committees or share their patient story and experiences with staff, faculty, and students as part of orientation, trainings, classes, and patient panels.
We are actively recruiting additional patients and family members who have had experiences at an Ohio State medical facility within the past three years to fill these roles. The highest area of need is for Patient and Family Advisory Councils.
How do I become a member of an Advisory Council or an Experience Advisor?
If you would like to learn more about how you can be a voice in providing suggestions and input on various topics related to the patient experience, contact us at 614-293-0526 or by email.
You can also review our brochure or attend an information session via Zoom. Our sessions are scheduled monthly, click on the registration link below to choose the date and time that is most convenient for you.
The process for becoming a Patient/Family Experience Advisor consists of the following steps:
- Complete an online volunteer application
- Participate in a scheduled interview to further discuss your interests
- Successfully complete the volunteer process, which includes a background check, fingerprinting and Volunteer Orientation
- Attend Advisor Orientation
Who is eligible to become a Patient/Family Experience Advisor?
Any current or former patients who have received services at any Ohio State medical facility may apply to participate as a Patient Advisor. Primary caregivers of a current or former patient are also eligible to participate as Family Advisors. We look for patients/family members who have the following qualities:
- Ability to observe, listen and participate in group meetings
- Passionate about improving the patient experience
- Willing to share personal healthcare stories
- Able to apply personal experiences to the bigger picture
- Able to provide constructive suggestions and feedback
- Can work together to find solutions
- Are comfortable representing the voice of patients and families
- Able to give a minimum of five hours of service each year
- Are at least 18 years of age
What does a Patient/Family Experience Advisor do?
Based on your experiences, you may be asked to participate in the following areas:
- Committee member – attend regular hospital committee meetings as a member of the team; requires a minimum one year commitment
- Speaker – share your personal patient/family member experience at, as a panel member, or at various department meetings; time commitment varies based on requests
- Reviewer – read and provide feedback on policy updates, educational materials and other items; most can be completed online
- Advisory Council member – serve on a board with other Advisors and provide guidance to leadership; requires a minimum one year
commitment with four to eight meetings per year - Focus Group attendee – share your perspective during a single meeting with a specific topic
Additional screening, orientation and training may be required, depending on assignments.
What areas do the Patient and Family Advisory Councils cover?
Buckeye Babies Council
The Buckeye Babies Patient and Family Advisory Council focuses on labor and delivery care. It is comprised of individuals who have had a maternity experience at our University Hospital location.
East Hospital Council
The East Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council focuses on all medical and surgical services offered at East Hospital, including orthopedics, general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, ENT, cardiovascular and pulmonary care, urology, primary care, emergency medicine and wound care.
James Cancer Hospital Council
The James Cancer Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council discusses services provided at our 19 James locations throughout central Ohio, with specific emphasis on inpatient services at our main campus James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Primary Care Councils
Primary Care Councils (18 total) are active at each of our Outpatient Care locations where our family medicine and internal medicine doctors practice. These councils focus on services provided within these practices, which includes helping patients maintain wellness, prevent disease, providing timely care for undiagnosed illnesses and health issues, managing chronic diseases and conditions and connecting patients with Ohio State experts in every medical specialty.
