Contact:
Jason Merrill
314-286-0302
[email protected]

ST .LOUIS – Many times a hospitalization or outpatient visit leaves patients and families wondering how much better things would have been if only they had a voice in how things were done.

That’s why the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine created a 29 member Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to make sure the voice of the patient becomes more involved in processes – from clinical to physical.

“We want the voice of the patient in decisions we make,” says JoAnn O’Neill, service and quality specialist at Siteman. “We will be working to change the culture to more patient-centered care to better meet the needs of our cancer patients and caregivers. The council is a partnership between patients, caregivers and staff,” says O’Neill.

The Siteman PFAC is made up of 10 patients, seven caregivers and 12 Barnes-Jewish and Washington University employees. The patient and family members represent a variety of diagnoses and backgrounds to mirror the population Siteman serves.

Adult PFACs have been in place at many BJC hospitals since 2007 with Missouri Baptist Medical Center and Christian Hospital as pilot members of the program. Children’s Hospital has had a PFAC for over 10 years.

“Ideally the outcomes of PFAC will be a tool for staff as we start new projects and evaluate old ones,” says O’Neill.

For example Barb Scott, a caregiver member of PFAC, frequently visited Siteman while her parents battled cancer, she says being part of the program is to take “something that’s good and make it better.”

“Siteman is wonderful, but there are always things to improve,” says Scott. “We have a diverse group who all have seen many aspects of the center and they have so many good ideas.”

Qualities of PFAC members include good listening skills, ability to see beyond their own experience, respect for the perspective of others, and a willingness to share their story in a meaningful way that can facilitate change.

“Throughout the entire process, I have been impressed by the incredible dedication and commitment of the patient and caregiver members,” says Julie Margenthaler, MD, surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center and a PFAC member. “Their mission to improve our patients’ cancer journey is a constant reminder of where our focus and efforts must be directed. They provide the ultimate example for me as a physician striving to provide the best patient-oriented care possible.”

Members of the PFAC serve two year terms. There is a currently a waiting list for future membership. For more information, contact JoAnn O’Neill at 314-454-8392.