Patient advisors design patient-friendly facilities
Advice from paint colors to the architectural team
When MCGHealth was planning a new neuroscience unit at its Augusta, GA, facility, patients and family members were involved every step of the way.
It's all a part of the hospital's Patient Family Centered Care (PFCC) initiative in which the hospital staff collaborate with patients and family members on everything from the plan of care to how wide the hallways should be in a new addition.
The hospital has appointed a cadre of patient advisors who consult on all construction and renovation projects. When the neuroscience unit was being redesigned, patient advisors had input on the unit design, picked out the colors for walls, and tried out the furniture to make sure it was comfortable.
Patients and family members have experiences and see things that staff members never see. We're not lying in that bed thinking about how uncomfortable it is or staring at a wall and noticing what an ugly color it is," says Roslyn Marshall, RN, MHSA, BSN, nurse manager for the neuroscience unit.
Patient advisors are recommended by staff in the clinics or on the hospital units. They may be patients who had a problem with a system or those who had expressed an interest in seeing positive changes being made in the hospital. The only stipulation is that they or a family member must have used the hospital's services, says Bernard Roberson, MSN, BA, HSC, director of family services development.
Patient advisors must pass a criminal background check and go through an orientation process. Those who will go in and out of patient areas must undergo an employee physical.
Patient advisors have been involved in plans for construction of a new cancer center beginning with hiring the architect and construction company and through designing the facility and creating work flow.
They are a part of the interview process for new staff, including administrative staff, Roberson says.
Advisors on construction of the cancer center include patients who have been treated for cancer at MCGHealth and their family members. People in wheelchairs also serve on the committee and have been instrumental in assuring that the facility will be wheelchair-accessible, Roberson adds.
When MCGHealth was planning a new neuroscience unit at its Augusta, GA, facility, patients and family members were involved every step of the way.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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