What is Patient- and Family-Centered Care?

Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) is partnerships between and among patients, families and health care providers. A PFCC approach to health care affirms the role of patients and their families as equal members of the care team.

PFCC Core Concepts

Dignity and Respect

Health care practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care.

Information Sharing

Health care practitioners communicate and share complete and unnbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patientrs and families receive timely, comnplete, and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.

Participation

Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose.

Collaboration

Patients and families are included on an institution-0wide basis. Health care leaders collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in health care facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.

 

PFCC Resources at MCG

The MCG campus houses a variety of resources for patients, families, staff, faculty and students that support and facilitatepatient- and family-centered care. To learn more about these vital resources visit the MCG Health, Inc. website. A sample of resources is listed below:

Family Services Development (FSD)

FSD facilitates PFCC programs and services throughout the hospitals and clinics including: Family Resource Library, Healing Arts, LIFE Program, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS), My Health Link, Patients as Advisors and Family Faculty.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

The uniqueness of all individuals is valued and their beliefs, culture, needs and strengths are recognized. Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services to patients has the potential to improve access to care, care quality, and health outcomes.

The needs of Limited English Proficient (LEP), and deaf and hard-of-hearing patients who may require assistance communicating with hospital and clinic staff is recognized and supported. CLAS is dedicated to helping healthcare providers bridge the gap with LEP and hearing impaired patients through accurate interpretation services. For more information visit the MCG CLAS website.

My Health Link

Free, on-line service for patients allows them to access their own electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR) and send messages to their doctor. It allows the patient to check prescription interactions and to access other trustworthy health information.

Check out the section for coping with and managing diabetes and hypertension. Register on-line at MCG Health Inc.

and click on "My Health Link."

Family Resource Library 

Located on the first floor of the Children's Medical Center (CMC), the library has an on-site Family Support Coordinator to asist patients and families. Patrons can access health information resources, movies, books, magazines, and the internet.

Care Pages

MCG provides a free web service that enables patients and families to create a "CarePage" so they can keep in touch with family and friends during times of illness or injury. Patients can post journal updates, share photos and exchange email messages through CarePages.

 

 

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