The Valley Hospital is proud to be a Patient and Family Centered Care (PFCC) organization. We value patients and families as important members of the healthcare team and strive to make everyone’s experience at Valley a comfortable one.
The Valley Approach to Patient and Family Centered Care
PFCC practitioners at Valley recognize the vital role that families play in ensuring the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Families’ emotional, social and developmental support are all integral components of healthcare.
Though there may be instances where a family member’s time at the patient’s bedside may be limited due to the patient’s condition, care or treatment, we will work with patient preferences whenever possible.
The Elements of Patient and Family Centered Care
Respect and Dignity
Healthcare 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. For example, patients can participate in the bedside shift report – the report nurses conduct when they end or begin their shift, sharing information about a patient’s care right at the bedside.
Information Sharing
Healthcare practitioners 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 so they can effectively participate in care and decision-making.
Participation
Patients and families are encouraged to participate in care and decision-making at the level they choose. For example, as part of our Consumer Health Ambassador program, volunteers work with our medical librarian to assess patient/family needs for more information about their medical condition and/or treatment plan.
Collaboration
With the Patient and Family Advisory Council, patients and families are included on an organization-wide basis. Healthcare leaders at Valley collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in healthcare facility design; in professional education; and in the delivery of care.
The Patient and Family Advisory Council
Valley’s Patient and Family Advisory Council was formed as part of our PFCC initiative to ensure that the opinions of patients and families are incorporated into patient care. The council – comprised of former patients, caregivers and family members – is frequently asked to collaborate with providers, administrators and others throughout Valley to make sure that decisions are made with the perspectives of patients and family members in mind.