Make Medicine Better

Many times a hospitalization or outpatient visit leaves patients and families wondering how much better things would have been if only they had a voice in how things were done. Who better to influence the healthcare delivery process than patients and families?  Hospitals are becoming increasingly aware of this opportunity; PFACs (Patient and Family Advisory Councils) are being established to give patients and families an opportunity to participate in shaping the healthcare experience.  

PFACs are in place at many BJC hospitals and cancer centers. These councils are comprised of both hospital staff and individuals from the community who have been patients or had family members as patients at a given facility.  Members volunteer their time. Qualities of PFAC members include good listening skills, ability to see beyond their own experience, respect for the perspective of others, and a willingness to share their story in a meaningful way that can facilitate change.  

PFAC partners patients and families with members of the healthcare team to provide guidance on how to improve the patient and family experience. As part of the PFAC process, patients and families are invited to serve on hospital committees to ensure that the consumer’s point-of-view, perspective, and experience are not only heard, but integrated into service and quality improvements.  

Some thoughts from PFAC members:
“Participating on the committee is very surreal for my family.  To have the opportunity to be involved with making changes that will directly enrich other patients’ experiences is the chance of a lifetime”.   
Sharlene Fuller, family member

“It has been empowering and gratifying to learn more about, and have a voice in, quality health care. I have been so impressed by the caring, professional attitudes of the health care providers serving on this committee. I feel fortunate that such a patient centered facility is available”.                                        
Liz Clemensen, patient and family member

"As a nurse who has practiced for many years I found the idea of a PFAC something which has been needed for a long time. Its presence will ensure that the patients’ viewpoint will be voiced at all levels throughout the hospital". 
Sheila Lenkman, patient

To learn more about PFACs or to request information on becoming a PFAC member, contact one of the following PFAC coordinators at each of our hospitals:

Location	Contact	Email	Phone Number
Christian Hospital Cancer Care Center	Sandi Kenkel	sjk3344@bjc.org	314-653-4498
Missouri Baptist Cancer Center	Ros Hofstein	rxh9049@bjc.org	314-996-5669
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital	Tara Hendrix	txh0086@bjc.org	314-454-8633
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters	Sharon Stott	sstott@bjc.org	636-916-9648 636-916-9971
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital	Deb Venable	dlv1132@bjc.org	636-916-9528
Missouri Baptist Medical Center	Susan Smith	sks3087@bjc.org	314-996-4367
Parkland Health Center- Oncology	Dawn Sohn	des4840@bjc.org	573-760-8138
Parkland Health Center- Inpatient	Jada Holbert	jih2717@bjc.org	573-760-8050
St. Louis Children’s Hospital	Karen Crow	kmc8279@bjc.org	314-454-2153