Patient- and family-centered care is an innovative approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of healthcare that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among healthcare providers, patients, and families. Patient- and family-centered care applies to patients of all ages, and it may be practiced in any healthcare setting.

Per the Institute for Family Centered Care, the core concepts of patient- and family-centered care are: Dignity and Respect, Information Sharing, Participation, and Collaboration. Participation and collaboration with the architectural and/or interior design team[s] in the processes of healthcare facilities design is the expectation.

It is suggested that patients and families may participate as advisors by being:

  • members of the committee selecting architect or interior designer teams
  • participants in initial and ongoing planning
  • members/chairpersons for issue specific committees and task forces
  • members of patient and family advisory councils
  • participants in focus groups
  • responders to surveys/questionnaires/interviews
  • reviewers of plans, materials, and mock-up facilities
  • reviewers in the post occupancy process

Individuals serving as patient or family advisors should reflect a range of experiences within the unit, hospital, or agency and should be representative of the community served. In reviewing possible candidates for advisory positions look for individuals who:

  • share insights and information about their experiences in ways that others can learn from
  • show concern for more than one issue or agenda
  • respect the perspectives of others
  • speak comfortably and candidly in a group
  • interact well with many different kinds of people
  • listen well