Welcome to the North Valley Oncology and Radiation Oncology Patient Advisory Council page!

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What is a Patient Advisory Council?

The Patient Advisory Council (PAC) is an interdisciplinary committee made up of patients and Kaiser Permanente staff. Our patient advisors offer their perspectives based on their lived experiences of receiving cancer care. Patients, families, health care practitioners, and medical center leaders are invited to collaborate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs ranging from oncology department design to the delivery of care.

PAC members are essential partners in the medical group’s mission to provide excellent person- and family-centered care by providing input and perspective into improving the patient and family experience in Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology in the North Valley service area (Roseville, Sacramento, and Rancho Cordova).

What is Person- and Family-Centered Care?

Patients and their families are knowledgeable members of the care team and can offer unique perspectives and valuable feedback about their experience in our clinical and hospital settings. The philosophy of person- and family-centered care (PFCC) focuses on:

• Acknowledging patients’ values, preferences, and needs
• Improving the patient’s care experience
• Information, communication, and education
• Involvement of patients and their families in process improvement

PAC Membership

Patients who have received cancer care in the North Valley service area and any clinical staff involved in cancer care are encouraged to apply for membership. The application process varies depending on the level of patient partnership. To be most effective, the PAC seeks a membership that is diverse with respect to culture, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic and educational background.

The Purpose of the PAC and Responsibilities of a PAC Member

• Promote respectful, effective partnerships between patients, families, and clinicians
• Increase understanding and cooperation between patients, families, and staff
• Transform the culture towards person- and family-centered care
• Improve quality, patient safety, and patient health outcomes
• Establish a link between the hospital and the community at large

What Might PAC Members Do at a Meeting?

• Share healthcare experience with doctors, staff and other PFAC members
• Participate in group discussions to talk about ideas for how our healthcare organizations can improve care, quality, safety, and services
• Provide insight from the patient and family perspective about policies, care practices, and patient education materials
• Identify and voice patient and family needs and concerns
• Serve on focus groups specific to cancer type, department, or location
• Encourage and support patient-centered care across the institution

Important Qualities of a PAC Member

• Be an advocate for change and have a passion for improving the health care experience for all
• Be able to listen and actively participate in discussion while being respectful of diversity and differing opinions
• Be able to share insights and experiences in productive ways and collaborate on solutions
• Be able to attend PFAC monthly meetings (day/time TBD – will be voted on as a group)

If you are ready to become a patient partner of the North Valley’s Oncology and Radiation Oncology PAC, please click the Apply to Join link below, or send any questions to Jessica.L.Walker@kp.org.

Apply to Join

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