PFAC pioneers new approaches to patient-centred care

The community-based Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Enaya and Daam Specialised Care Center of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) continues to pioneer new approaches to person-centred care. The PFAC is a group of current and former patients, family members, and caregivers that works together to advance person-centric best practices at a hospital or healthcare organisation, a statement said.Volunteer patients and families collaborate with employees (clinical, administrative, and support) to provide guidance on how to improve patient and family experiences. HMC has 120 PFAC members across its hospital and facility network.Dr Hanadi Khamis al-Hamad, deputy chief for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatric Care, and medical director of Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute said many improvements had been made as a direct result of consultation with the PFAC."Since being established in 2020 as part of Enaya and Daam Specialised Care Center’s Person-Centred Care Certification, the PFAC has played an integral role in helping us to improve care for our patients,” she recalled."By valuing the insights of patients, families, and caregivers, we are working to shape a healthcare system that truly places patients at the centre of their care journey, creating a lasting impact on their well-being,” she said.The PFAC has contributed to many innovations and improvements by Enaya and Daam Specialised Care Center over the past two years. There has been an improved care environment with buildings co-designed with PFAC members. Upgrades include a refurbished therapy room, patient-friendly floor, ergonomic furniture, shaded garden, enhanced gym, new dental assessment room, and private patient and family room.There is enhanced communication with patients and families using bedside Whiteboards, upgraded for better communication, including translation to Arabic and its component enhancements to better reflect patient wishes.The clinical project on pressure injury prevention and monthly activities at Enaya to enhance patient well-being were the other benefits.The chief of Patient Experience and director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, Nasser al-Naimi, said that by embracing person-centred care principles, Enaya and Daam ensure that patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care."These are great examples of the real and lasting changes an active PFAC can make to the delivery of person-centred care. Their contributions are at the heart of person-centred care, ensuring that the patients’ voices are heard,” he said. "I urge anyone – current and former patients, their families and members of the community – to consider joining our PFACs across HMC.” For more information on becoming a PFAC member, interested participants could send an e-mail to PersonCenteredCare@hamad.qa