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Patient and family feedback is essential in helping us to make changes that will improve how we deliver care and the patient experience both in the Cancer Program and at The Ottawa Hospital.
There are several ways you can make a difference.
The Cancer Patient and Family Advisory Council
The Cancer Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at The Ottawa Hospital brings together patients, caregivers and staff to improve cancer care. Members of the Cancer PFAC are patients and caregivers with different cancer care backgrounds and experiences in the Champlain Region. They share their experiences and insights to help shape policies, programs and services. PFAC members act as advisors for the Cancer Program but do not have final say about how services are delivered.
The Cancer PFAC aims to:
Enhance the patient experience
by sharing personal stories to shape policies and practices.
Encourage teamwork
among advisors, patients, families, and health-care providers.
Support quality improvement
by improving cancer care services.
Activities
Members of the Cancer PFAC take part in a variety of activities including:
- Attending monthly Council activities.
- Providing feedback to leaders on initiatives, policies, practices and planning.
- Taking part in committees, working groups and campaigns.
- Reviewing and providing feedback on written materials.
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How to become a Cancer PFAC member
Step 1: Learn more about the role
As a member of the Cancer PFAC, you would be involved in matters that have the potential to improve the experience of patients and caregivers living with cancer. For instance, you may be advising how to arrange a waiting room or reviewing a document about what to bring to your first appointment at the Cancer Centre. Many times, Cancer Program staff come to the Cancer PFAC for input on a specific topic.
This role may be a good fit if you are able to:
- Share your point of view, but be able to listen to and appreciate the views of others.
- Be positive and supportive of both Ontario Health Cancer Care Ontario and The Ottawa Hospital’s vision, which is to provide exceptional service and compassion that we would want for our loved ones.
- Attend PFAC meetings and at least one committee or working group (as time and interest allows).
Step 2: Complete the application form
This brief application form will help us learn more about you and how you might want to contribute as a member of the PFAC.
Step 3: Complete the interview
All prospective members of a PFAC must interview with at least two current PFAC members. The interview can be by telephone or virtual meeting.
Step 4: Attend orientation
Each new PFAC member will receive an orientation to the council from the hospital’s Patient and Engagement lead as well as an existing member of the Cancer PFAC.
Continuous support
All PFAC members receive ongoing support from the Chair and Vice-Chair of the council, as well as other council members. You will also receive specific support and guidance related to committees or projects you participate in.
For more information about the Cancer PFAC
Michelle Day, Manager, Person-Centered Care
613-798-5555 ext. 70141
Your Voice Matters survey
Whether or not you are a member of the Cancer PFAC, we want to hear from you.
Your Voice Matters is a five-minute patient experience survey by Ontario Health that cancer patients can complete every 30 days. The questions ask how you feel about your most recent cancer care appointment. You can also give us your feedback in-person (at the Cancer Centre) or by telephone or video appointment.
Department of Patient Relations
If you have questions, feedback or concerns about the care you or your family member is receiving, your health care-team needs to know. Please don’t hesitate to initiate a discussion with your nurse, your physician, or the clinical manager.
If, after speaking to the health-care team and the manager, you feel your case requires further attention, we invite you to contact Patient Relations.