Patient and Family Advisory Council

Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is the voice of patients and family members in the community who are interested in coming together to provide our healthcare team with constructive advice and feedback to improve our patients’ experiences. They are dedicated to recognizing community needs and helping to develop new services that best meet the expectations of patients and their families.

What is a Patient Family Advisory Council?

PFACs have been required of all Massachusetts hospitals by the Department of Public Health since October 1, 2010. PFACs are based on the core concepts of dignity and respect, information sharing, participation, and collaboration so that patients, families, and providers can develop and enhance mutually beneficial partnerships. Patient and family members may advise the hospital on issues such as patient and provider relationships, research, quality improvement, and patient education on safety and quality.

Who Participates in a PFAC?

Co-chaired by both a patient/family member and a hospital member, our PFAC consists of representatives from the hospital and current or former patients or family members who represent the community. Together, they can facilitate patient and family participation in hospital care improvement, information sharing, and policy and program development.

What are the Benefits of a PFAC?

Benefits of a PFAC are numerous for patients and families, including:

• Increased awareness and understanding of the healthcare system
• Advocacy for family, friends, and the organization
• Active participation in their own healthcare and self-management
• Transformation of the hospital culture toward patient-family centered care
• Improved patient satisfaction

How Can Someone Join the PFAC?

The council welcomes current or former Good Samaritan Medical Center patients or family members of a current or former patient. Members do not need any special qualifications and will receive any training that may be needed. Good Samaritan Medical Center’s PFAC meets at least quarterly and often times five to six times a year to provide updates and discuss issues of importance to patients and their families to hospital leadership.

To learn more about becoming a Patient and Family Advisory Council member, please contact:

Jaclyn Gikis MSN, RN, CDP
Sr. Director of Quality and Behavioral Health Services,
508.427.2532