BHS Announces New Collaboration between Patients, Family Members and Health Care Providers

A new group has recently formed to serve in an advisory capacity to assist Butler Health System in putting patients and families first, promoting quality, safety and experience. The group, called the Patient and Family Partnership Council for Quality and Safety is made up of up to eight community members who have been patients or their family members along with representatives from Butler Health System.

“This advisory council provides an opportunity for former patients and their family members to voice their praises and concerns regarding their perceptions related to the quality of health care and safety they experienced with the Butler Health System,” says community representative John Loeffler. “We hope to help to foster and encourage a stronger relationship between patients/family members and health care providers.”

The objectives of the group are to:

• Provide ongoing feedback during monthly meetings to Butler Health System that evaluates and seeks to improve patient safety, quality of care or patient service issues
• Assist Butler Health System, to continually improve the quality, safety and efficiency of services it offers the patients and families who seek care at Butler Health System
• Strengthen communication and collaboration among patients, families and other non-professional caregivers, and Butler Health System, professional staff and associates
• Promote information sharing between Butler Health System, and the patients, families, and community it serves
• Aid in establishing Butler Health System’s organizational priorities in response to patient, family and community needs
• Promote patient and family advocacy and involvement

The group was formed to assure the health system is creating a patient and family centered approach to care. The mission of the group is to strengthen collaboration between patients, family members and the health care team.

“We are excited to provide an avenue for patients and their family members to share their stories and discuss opportunities for improving the quality and experience for all of our patients,” says Karen Allen, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Experience. “We have seen continued success in improving our quality measures over the years. This collaboration will give insight from the patient and family perspective and will augment our existing programs.”