CMS releases its Person and Family Engagement Strategy
A key strategy to achieving better outcomes is to meaningfully engage patients as partners in decisions about their healthcare. CMS recently announced their Person and Family Engagement Strategy, an effort to involve patients and families as part of the healthcare team by working collaboratively with their doctor or other healthcare professional to be active partners when making health decisions.
Why is this important? Consideration of the health, values and goals of the individual in consultation with the entire healthcare team leads to an improved experience and better care. When individuals feel responsible for their own health and are partners with their providers in goal-setting and decision-making, they are much more likely to achieve their healthcare goals.
This Strategy emphasizes that person and family engagement goes beyond informed consent. It is about including the individual’s voice in policy and program planning. It is about proactive, effective communication and partnered decision-making with patients, families, and caregivers. It is about building a care relationship based on trust and inclusion of patients’ beliefs, values, preferences and culture which can even lead to a reduction in healthcare disparities.
Click here for more information about the CMS Person and Family Engagement Strategy, including goals and resources.
Looking for Partners: Great Plains QIN Person and Family Advisory Councils
Each of the four GPQIN partner states has established Patient and Family Member Advisory Councils as a partnership to help guide our efforts, offer input on our approaches and to assist with message development and outreach. Each state is at different phases with setting up and facilitating its Council. However, we strongly believe this partnership provides opportunities for improving the health and healthcare of individuals through a better understanding of the ‘consumer’ perspective.
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