Patient and Family Advisory Council

The purpose of PFAC is to:

• Advise the Clinical management groups or one of the patient programs at Sidra Medicine.
• Ensure a coordinated patient-centered approach to care by receiving insights, feedback ideas, and creative solutions from patients/families.
• Strengthen the relationship and communication between patients, families, and staff.
• Engage patients and families in the planning and operation of new improvement projects and specific patient programs.
• Provide a forum that will enable staff to listen to the patients and families they care for

Any patient or a family member who received care at Sidra Medicine within the past six months. This role requires someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and committed. You are not required to have a medical background to be an advisor.

PFAC reports directly to the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) Committee at Sidra Medicine.
The QIPS committee ensures that the advisory councils meet their objectives based on the Council’s feedback.

The patient and family advisory role requires a commitment for one year. This is a voluntary role.

Parents and patients are the driving force behind the PFAC; however, Sidra Medicine staff members attend these meetings as partners and can assist where needed. They can also serve as a link to the hospital administration and other departments by communicating the PFAC ideas and feedback as necessary.

• Support and commit to the mission and vision of our hospital.
• Attend orientation and training.
• Dedicate to volunteering at least one hour per month (not more than four hours/month) to your role as a PFA.
• Prepare for meetings as needed (e.g., by reviewing materials, reading a report, or completing a task before a meeting).
• Actively participate in meetings by sharing your experience, input, and opinions.
• Commit to confidentiality and privacy, as you may have access to health information about other patients.

We are seeking families and patients who are able to:

• Share insights and information about experiences in ways that others can learn from them
• See beyond their personal experience
• Show concern for more than one issue or agenda
• Listen and respect the perspectives of others
• Speak comfortably in a group
• Interact with a diverse group of people
• Work collaboratively with other families and healthcare providers
• Use positive communication and listening skills
• Find solutions and help provide change
• Keep all patient and organizational information private and confidential

Meetings will be held either on-site at Sidra Medicine.

Approximately six meetings per year, with the duration of each meeting lasting from one to two hours.

We understand that patients and families may need to miss a meeting or two. However, for the Council to be effective, we need our members to make every effort to attend every meeting. If you cannot attend a meeting, kindly inform the staff liaison in advance.

We will provide the Patient and Family Advisor with:

• Training on how to be an engaged advisor
• Resources and organizational support effectively carry out their responsibilities
• A staff liaison to help them prepare for meetings as well as act as a source of information and be available to address questions or concerns about their role

PFAC members’ participation in the Patient and Family Advisory Council is voluntary; therefore, no time-based compensation will be provided. However, advisors will be offered free parking, a light snack at every meeting, and a certificate of participation.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the PFAC or have any additional questions, please get in touch with us at: pfac@sidra.org or call/WhatsApp us at +974 31191608.