Patient and Family Centered Care

Patient and Family Centered Care means patients, their families, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals form a partnership that benefits everyone. A "family member" is recognized as anyone whom patients regard as significant in their lives. Families are not considered visitors, but essential participants in care and decisions that affect the total healing of the patient. The core concepts of patient and family centered care are:

  • Respect and Dignity: Health care providers 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 providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete, 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 also included on an institution-wide basis. Health care providers collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in healthcare facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.

 

The Goal of Patient & Family Centered Care

The ultimate goal of patient and family centered care is to create partnerships among health care practitioners, patients, and families that will lead to the best outcomes and enhance the quality and safety of healthcare.

Here are some ways MUSC Health makes working together possible.

  • Patient and Family Advisory Councils made up of patients, their caregivers and MUSC staff in order to encourage two-way communication in an environment of trust and respect. MUSC Health is increasing efforts to partner with patients and families in policy and program development, patient safety, quality improvement, patient experience, health care redesign, professional education, and facility design planning.
  • MUSC Health MyChart offers you a personalized and secure on-line access to portions of your medical records. With MyChart, you can:
  • Communicate with your doctor's office.
  • See your lab and radiology test results. 
  • Request prescription refills.
  • View your recent visit information.
  • Keep track of your health.

 

For more information or questions regarding PFAC Marion; please email Tammy Cooper