“Patient engagement is the blockbuster drug of the century.” – Dr. Farzad Mostashari, former head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, from Patient Engagement: Medicine’s New “Blockbuster Drug”
Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) recognizes the need to integrate the patient and family member perspective as a valuable ‘voice’ in our quality improvement efforts. Therefore, we are looking to establish Patient and Family Member Councils as a partnership to help guide our efforts, offer input on our approaches and to assist with message development and outreach. We believe this partnership will provide opportunities for improving the health and healthcare of individuals through a better understanding of the ‘consumer’ perspective.
Council members will consist of consumers, family members and healthcare professionals. We will update Council members on Great Plains QIN efforts, identify ways to improve and enhance our efforts through a better understanding of the patient perspective. Also, we will be looking for methods and formats to communicate with and reach out to the Medicare beneficiaries in our communities.
If you or someone you know may be interested in participating, please let us know. We would be happy to discuss expectations, goals and outline steps for getting started.
For more Information or Referrals:
Kansas: Megan Skaggs, MLM; Project Manager
Nebraska: Keri McDermott, BA; Communications Director
North Dakota: Jean Roland; Quality Improvement Specialist
South Dakota: Linda Penisten, RN, OTR/L; Project Manager