AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Patient Advisers Participate in Hospital Councils, Committees, Staff Training, and Other Activities, Contributing to Improved Patient Satisfaction and Better Organizational Performance

Patient Advisers Participate in Hospital Councils, Committees, Staff Training, and Other Activities, Contributing to Improved Patient Satisfaction and Better Organizational Performance

Snapshot
Summary
Current and former patients and family members of the Medical College of Georgia participate in a variety of patient advisory councils and on every clinic, department, and hospital committee, providing their perspectives on potential improvements and their input into key operational and strategic decisions. This penetration of patient advisers at top institutional levels as well as on every unit and committee ensures that they have active and ongoing input into all hospital operations and planning. Patient advisers also provide support to "peers" (current patients/family members going through similar treatment), assist with staff and student education and training, and participate in other activities related to patient-centered care, including unit rounding, research, conference planning, and recognition of outstanding staff. The program has contributed to improvements in patient satisfaction and in key metrics of organization-wide performance, and has received positive reviews from medical students.

Evidence Rating
Suggestive: The evidence consists primarily of comparisons of patient satisfaction scores and key metrics of organization-wide performance before and after program implementation, although other major programs also likely had an impact on these measures during this time period.

Developing Organizations
Medical College of Georgia

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AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Patient Advisers Participate in Hospital Councils, Committees, Staff Training, and Other Activities, Contributing to Improved Patient Satisfaction and Better Organizational Performance