Patient and Family Advisory Councils

Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) at UNC Hospitals focus on improving hospital safety, quality and overall patient experience. Advisory councils are made up of current and past patients, family members and caregivers. We offer points of view that help hospital staff understand patient needs and meet those needs in better ways.

Becoming an advisor

The success of advisory councils depends on communicating and working together. Our dedication to representing the diversity of the communities we serve is at the heart of our success.

Who can be a PFAC advisor?

You may be a good candidate to become a PFAC advisor if:

  • You or a family member received care at UNC Hospitals in the past three years.
  • You are willing to work with other advisors, give feedback and add to meaningful discussions.
  • You can commit to a term of two years. (Term may be extended if desired.)

What steps do I take to become a PFAC advisor?

To become an advisory council advisor, you must complete the steps required to be a UNC Hospitals volunteer.

  • Complete a background check
  • Prove you’ve had or receive required vaccinations
  • Complete the UNC Hospitals volunteer training program

Apply to be an advisor

UNC Hospitals PFAC mission

The mission of UNC Hospitals PFACs is to improve the quality, safety and experience of care and to promote an organizational culture that is person- and family-centered through active partnerships with patients, families, caregivers and healthcare staff.

What do PFAC advisors do?

PFAC advisors meet often to share our experiences, talk about how to make hospital care better and work together on projects that improve hospital quality, safety and the overall patient journey.

What does PFAC work look like?

  • Working together to make care safer and better for everyone.
    We help improve patient safety, the quality of care, and the experiences of patients, families and staff.
  • Helping shape how families can be involved.
    We give advice on the best ways to support families and caregivers and make it easier for families to take part in care.
  • Sharing personal healthcare experiences to help others learn.
    We talk with hospital groups to improve their support of patient- and family-centered care.
  • Speaking up for the whole community.
    We make sure different voices are heard and that everyone’s opinions are respected.

UNC Hospitals PFAC vision

UNC Hospitals PFACs work to ensure the patient and family voice is accessible, informed and acknowledged. We see a future where patients, families and staff will work as partners at each level of the healthcare system to improve the experience for all.

From the bedside to the board room, PFACs are essential to the future of healthcare.

PFAC advisor priorities

  • Sharing our stories in order to improve hospital and patient care
  • Looking over patient resources and educational materials to make sure they’re helpful
  • Sharing our thoughts about hospital building projects, care spaces and patient services
  • Celebrating hospital staff who give exceptional care
  • Helping to improve patient and caregiver support programs
  • Explaining how the hospital can improve the treatment experience
  • Getting involved in research and helping researchers understand the patient and family point of view

UNC Hospitals PFAC core values

Our values help strengthen the partnerships between patients, families and healthcare providers.

Respect for others: We believe that staff and patients should be able to speak up about safety and quality without worrying they may get in trouble.

Focusing on care for patients and families: We focus on the importance of including patients and their families in hospital care.

Making decisions together: We want healthcare providers and patients on the advisory councils to work together to make decisions.

Clear communication: We use open communication to talk about healthcare processes and decisions.

Working together: We communicate and cooperate with people who have different backgrounds, experiences and ways of communicating.

Types of advisory councils

At UNC Hospitals, we have several PFACs. Each advisory council has a specific focus. Explore to find the option that’s most relevant to your experience.

  • Neurosurgery
  • Mental health
  • Family medicine
  • Infectious disease
  • Rehabilitation therapies
  • N.C. Women’s Hospital
  • N.C. Children’s Hospital
  • N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital
  • Eastowne Medical Office Building

Types of PFACs at UNC Hospitals

Become an advisor

If you feel you’re a good fit for one of our patient and family advisory councils, apply today!

Apply to be an advisor