The Use of Patient and Family Advisory Councils to Improve Patient Experience in Radiology

Objective: Rising costs and widespread inefficiencies in current practices have prompted a paradigm shift in American health care from volume- to value-based care with patients and families assuming a central role. Patient and family advisory councils (PFACs) are particularly compelling as a strategy for using patient and family engagement for process improvement. Although relatively new in the radiologic community, PFACs can be a powerful tool in improving patient experience.

Conclusion: PFACs are a particularly powerful method of patient and family engagement that can be used in effecting meaningful change in practice. This valuable resource resides within most hospitals and is generally readily accessible. In the era of value-based care, it is essential that radiologists actively engage with patients to improve efficiency, reduce expenditures, and maximize patient satisfaction.