The Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety hosted an inaugural virtual forum for Patient and Family Advisory Council members in Massachusetts on May 30. More than 80 participants representing PFACs from across the state attended the event, “Creating Connections for PFAC Impact: Diversifying Membership and Engaging with Leadership.” 

Pam Dardess, M.P.H., Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Operations, Institute for Patient for Patient- and Family-Centered Care, shared survey findings from hospital PFACs that relate to diversity, equity and inclusion. She closed her presentation with six distinct action opportunities to build a more dynamic, representative PFAC membership. Michael Gustafson, M.D., M.B.A., CEO, Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, and Monique Manna, UMass-Memorial Medical Center PFAC member, shared from personal experience the importance of leadership support in PFAC success. All three presenters acknowledged the challenges inherent in this work, which requires consistency and dedication. 

The forum is the Center’s latest effort to expand support for PFAC work in the Commonwealth. The well-received opportunity to meet and share experiences will be the first of many, with planning for a fall forum underway.