Forming a Family Advisory Committee in a Small Pediatric Practice

1. Forming a Family Advisory Committee in a Small Pediatric Practice Andrea B Lowe MD PhD Skagit Pediatrics Mount Vernon, WA

2. Learning Objectives Understanding a working-model of a practice advisory committee, and its importance in creating family-professional partnerships Identify strategies for developing and sustaining a practice advisory committee Acknowledge possible barriers for developing and sustaining a practice advisory committee.

3. Why Skagit Pediatrics wanted a Family Advisory Committee Inspired by presentation at Medical Home meeting four years ago Formal way for families to contribute to the mission of the clinic Advice for administration and medical leadership on patient needs and clinic priorities from a family perspective Help with resource info for families

4. About Skagit Pediatrics One of three pediatric practices in Skagit County Ten clinicians--doubled the number of doctors in a three year period Changed from managed care to fee for service; could no longer afford to have a dedicated triage nurse. Moved into a new building

9. Intake forms Suggestion box Office setting is reflective of various cultures and traditions Use of individuals names Questions at the beginning & end of visit Extra time for CYSHCN visits Family-friendly written information Family Advisory Committee

10. Where to Begin? Developing and Sustaining a Patient and Family Advisory Council by Patty Devine Webster and Beverly H. Johnson Kate Orville at University of Washington Brainstorming help Sent out e-mails to find people with experience Lyn Kratz Discussed Seattle Children�s Hospital council Helped work out details Portland Family Advisory Council

11. Structure of Group 10-12 family and staff Rotating membership with 2-3 year terms Parents with children of various ages, special needs, former patients Quarterly meetings Start in the Fall

12. Enticements Food at each meeting Gift certificate Annual gift Name on plaque $10-25 per official meeting

13. How to fund Practice pays as investment into practice Grants Volunteer

14. Recruiting Members Ran search for patients with chronic disease diagnosis. Gave lists to all providers and had them star parents or patients they thought would be interested and positive Went through shortened list at an office meeting and picked 8 people to send invitations to.

15. Invitation Letter Optional still to join at first meetingOptional still to join at first meeting

16. The Results: Current Members Pediatrician Front office staff member with pre-school children Lead FRC with special needs children Public Health nurse with middle school twins 3 Mothers of children with and without special needs

17. First Meeting Discussed concept of Family Advisory Council Toured clinic Began brainstorming project ideas

18. Second Meeting One month later - to maintain momentum Continued to brainstorm Made a list of ideas for the staff to review at next office meeting Decided to start with family satisfaction survey

19. Ideas Discussed Getting feedback from parents (survey) Providing info for families Patient Education TV Bulletin Board Web Pages Resource Library Ask a Pediatrician night Supporting families Being a parent first, enjoying your child Transitioning of Adolescents

20. Family Satisfaction Survey

21. Results of Questionnaire "How well were all of you questions answered?" 4.66 out of 5 "Did you have any trouble scheduling your appointment?", 100% said no. "friendliness of staff" 4.75 out of 5 "Is there anything we can do to improve our services" 97% said no

22. Comments

24. Next Project Provide up-to-date resource info for families Calendar of Events Flyers of local agencies and support organizations Seasonal information

25. Comparing Display Options Bulletin Boards Expensive Involve dangerous tacks Easy destroyed by ADHD patients Unable to reuse Can have tear off flyers with information families can bring home Posters in Frames Less expensive No tacks Children can�t destroy Can be reused or lent to other clinics Can�t have flyers families can take home

26. Calendar of Local Events Poster dedicated to calendar listing community events and meetings of interest to local families Updated every quarter

27. Resources Poster dedicated to resources in the community and how to tap into them

28. Seasonal Info Poster dedicated to seasonal topics Can be saved for next year or loaned to other offices if interested Topics: Dental Health, Summer Safety, Flu Shot, etc

29. Other Roles for FAC Sounding board for clinic, e.g. Should clinic have products available for patients if we can supply them at a better price? Would families be willing to pay for a triage call if it meant not having to come in?

30. Next Step: Recruiting New Members Poster in Waiting Room Notice in Parent to Parent newsletter Develop Flyer

31. Could You Say No?

32. Current Projects Update Web site Compile a list of References for Children with Special Health Care Needs Continuing the Posters

33. Thank you

34. Contact Information Andrea B Smith: (360) 428-2622 andreabsmith@yahoo.com

35. Family-Centered Care Resources Medical Home information for families Medical Home tools for families Brochures for families Presentations for families Located at: www.medicalhomeinfo.org