Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2020

KH . ORG 7 Givingback Because of Bill’s engagement, questions and willingness to provide feedback, one of his nurses, Roxanne Gadberry, encouraged him to join Kootenai’s Patient Family Advisory Council. The Patient Family Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity at Kootenai Health to help improve the patient experience. Their firsthand knowledge, either through their own patient experiences or those of a loved one, generates thoughtful recommendations for ways to provide quality care that is safe and effective—and also compassionate. An inside look—andan outsideperspective Members of the group participate in Kootenai Health’s general orientation alongside other new employees and volunteers. The group meets monthly and consists of a mix of former patients and family members of patients. Together, they review a wide range of projects, including the overall patient experience, the GetWell patient learning and communication system, patient education materials, and even the patient welcome video. “We discuss learning moments at the hospital,” Bill said. “It’s a great mix of people—young and old, men and women, patients and families. The process is very thoughtful and organized. It allows us to provide an effective perspective while also teaching us more about the hospital and its leaders. Regardless of our experience and background, this is a great way for us to be involved. Everybody is always striving to be better, and this offers a positive way for Kootenai to tackle or prevent problems.” Get involved : You can learn more about the Patient Family Advisory Council at KH.org/volunteer .