Changing the Culture of Patient Care

All facets of health care are experiencing a paradigm shift. Historically, for patients the healthcare system has been fragmented and difficult to navigate. Patients were minimally involved in medical decisions about their care. Today, healthcare systems are experiencing sweeping changes and MCG is leading the way by partnering with patients and their families.

A new culture of patient care is one in which patients and their families are active in their care, are engaged as integral members of the health care team, have a voice that is heard and are involved in making decisions about their care.

Since 2002, MCG Health System embraced a patient- and family-centered philosophy and adopted behavioral standards for staff. As a pioneer, MCG began practicing patient- and family-centered care in 1993 when it involved patients and family members in the planning and architectural design of our Children's Medical Center (CMC).

In 2008, MCG continues its national leadership role advancing patient- and family-focused health care through care, education and research.

Patient and Family Involvement

A cadre of over 200 experienced patient advisors serve the health system in multiple ways including teaching students in the health sciences. Patients serve as members on many advisory committees including the Health Partners Advisory Committee, the Patient Safety Committee, the Physicians’ Practice Group Advisory Council and Family Faculty. All of our hospital clinics engage patient advisors.

Including the patients’ perspective has many positive results. For example, during a Patient Safety Committee meeting, patients said they felt intimidated by healthcare providers. As a result they were hesitant to ask questions or speak up about matters affecting the quality of their health care.

The Speak Up Campaign emerged from this exchange. This campaign urged patients to take a more active role in their health care by asking questions, being aware of their medications and designating an advocate. Enabling patients and their advocates to speak up and listening to the patients’ voices has been integrated into MCG’s standard of care.

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