Hospitals recruit patient, family advisory councils

In the goal for patient-centered care, hospitals in Tennessee are recruiting patients and family members to advise on services and facilities at their institutions, The Commercial Appeal reported. The Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis patient and family advisory council consists of 10 patients or family members and meets every one or two months, aimed at improving the patient experience. For example, the council advised changing the hospital signs from "HIM" (health information management) to "Medical Records" for patients; employees already know where they are going, the council suggested.

"That's why it's important to get the input and feedback from patients and family members. Their glasses are very different from mine," BMH-Memphis CEO Derick Ziegler said. Article