Oncology Patient and Family Advisory Council
The Oncology Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is a committee of patients and family members, clinicians and administrators patients who work together to improve the quality of care we provide. The PFAC's mission is to:
- Continually modify and improve the overall hospital experience for those with cancer and their loved ones
- Ensure safety, comfort and overall well-being by providing the highest quality most advanced medical care, clinical research and emotional support
- Capture the unique perspective of current and former patients and their loved ones on processes and initiatives that ensure a patient- and family-centered focus
For example, a subcommittee is currently redesigning an existing educational binder to create a consolidated version with information and resources tailored to each patient’s individual treatment and health care team. This project was suggested by PFAC members and will replace a previous version which they felt was too lengthy and generic. Once complete, the new binder will have an updated look and include an orientation to program and services available at CBMC as well as the community.
The Oncology PFAC is a subcommittee of CBMC's Patient and Family Advisory Council.
Accomplishments
- Reduced wait times by instituting a “rooming in” process. Patients are made aware that while their nurse and/or medications may not be ready, they are invited to get comfortable and settled in their treatment room. Patients have had positive reactions to being able to move closer to receiving treatment by getting settled in the room and speaking with their nurse.
- Centralized the intake form so patients only need to complete it once, regardless of if they are seen in medical oncology, radiation oncology or surgical oncology.
To learn more about the Oncology PFAC, please contact Angela McCabe, MSW, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Patient and Family Services, Oncology Service Line at Angela.McCabe@rwjbh.org or call (973) 322-2668.
