In general, participation is open to anyone 18 years or older who:
Received health care from UW Health in the past two years, or
Is a family member (legal or chosen) or informal caregiver of someone who received health care from UW Health in the past two years
Note: Employees may apply to the Patient and Family Advisory Program but cannot serve as advisors on councils or projects directly related to their area of employment.
Requirements
All patient and family advisors must sign a confidentiality agreement and complete all onboarding steps including an online, self-guided orientation course (approx. 30 minutes). Additional steps vary depending on the level of participation.
Members of our Patient and Family Advisory Councils complete an interview with council leadership.
Our patient and family advisors offer fresh perspectives and provide valuable feedback in a variety of ways. Not all programs are available in all locations.
Virtual advising community
All members of UW Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Program are invited to participate in our virtual advising community. UW Health’s virtual advising community is expanding participation opportunities through email, online surveys, and virtual focus groups.
Patient and family advisory councils
A patient and family advisory council is a structured group of patient and family advisors and members of the health care team who meet regularly to provide guidance on how to improve the patient and family experience and quality of care in a specific area or with a specific focus.
Eligibility
In general, council members must receive care in that area or be a direct caregiver or family member of a patient who does.
Additional criteria, recruitment and selection processes including interviews vary by council.
Commitment
Patient and family advisors typically serve 2-year terms on these councils with the option to renew.
Councils hold monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly meetings
Council meetings may held virtually, in-person, or both. This varies by council.
Internal workgroups and committees
Some patient and family advisors are invited to serve alongside UW Health staff on internal committees and workgroups. These partnerships help ensure that ongoing quality improvement work is grounded in the experiences of our patients and their families. Participation requirements and commitment details vary.
Patient and family advisory councils recruitment
In Wisconsin, recruitment for patient and family advisory councils is limited to the following situations:
If you received a letter inviting you to submit an interest form for a specific council, or
You were asked to submit an interest form for a specific council by a member of your care team or other UW Health staff
If either of these apply to you, please click here to submit an interest form and note the council and who referred you.
Virtual advising community
Virtual advising community recruitment is currently paused.
We are on a journey to create a more inclusive and equitable program that reflects the diversity of our patient population. We have taken important steps to reduce barriers to participation, create new ways to get involved and have more initiatives underway. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our program.
Please check back for updates or contact us directly for more information.
Please reach out with any questions about the UW Health Patient and Family Advisory Program.
In Wisconsin
Email: PFAPartnerships@uwhealth.org
Mail:
UW Health PFA Program
Mail Code 1005
7974 UW Health Court
Middleton, WI 53562
In Illinois
Email: KOlson8@uwhealth.org