Quality

Issue Spotlight

The implementation of Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) in various hospitals has given patients and families a new opportunity to have their perspectives influence hospital-related decisions (e.g., policies, staffing, communications, and facilities) and governance. A new NYSHealth-funded report describes the landscape of PFACs in New York State hospitals, as well as their prevalence and variation in characteristics. The report also explores PFACs' performance and impact, not only on hospital strategy and operations but also on the quality and safety of care. Stakeholders can use the report's recommendations to help strengthen PFACs' presence in New York State and in the adoption and implementation of best practices.

Care models designed for patients with complex health care needs, including those with multiple chronic conditions and mental health problems, are spreading across the country. But for health care organizations, finding local programs can be difficult. The Commonwealth Fund's Better Care Playbook, developed in partnership with the Center for Health Care Strategies, now features an interactive map of complex care programs across the country that can be sorted by target population, care model, and more.