Patient and Family Centered Care Week highlights the value of partnerships

Christiana Care shined a light on the benefits of patient- and family-centered care approaches, beginning Oct. 21 with a week-long slate of events at Wilmington campus.

Kicking off the campaign, with a goal of sustaining momentum in building patient- and family -entered care, Juliette Schlucter, nationally recognized patient advocate, delivered a compelling talk to a standing-room-only audience. The author of “Shall We Dance? Patient and Family-Centered Partnerships to Advance Safety, Quality and the Experience of Care,” Schlucter has helped give health care organizations the language and tools to connect with patients in ways that improve quality, safety and the care experience.

“You came into this field because you are patient- and family-centered,” Schlucter reminded the audience. She encouraged shared decision-making with patients and their families, achieved through participation and collaboration, and founded in respect and dignity.

Schlucter noted two words—information and communication—are often used interchangeably when it comes to patient care, but they signify quite different things.

“Information is given out,” she observed, “but communication is getting through.”

Led by President and CEO Robert Laskowski, M.D., staff members signed an oversized Patient and Family Centered Care Pledge authored by Wilmington staff. A series of informational booths depicted how different areas of the system are transforming patient care by encouraging shared values with patients and their family and friends.

Photo gallery: Patient- and family-centered care kickoff

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