What Is a Patient and Family Advisory Council?  

The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at UMass Memorial Medical Center is made up of current and former patients who dedicate their time to working on hospital projects and initiatives. It's their mission to seek and to promote safe and comprehensive patient- and family-centered care by working with hospital staff to give their feedback, offering a perspective through the eyes of a patient and/or family member.

The PFAC was established in 2010. It exists today with 22 patient members and four Medical Center staff members. The PFAC has given their feedback on countless projects within the organization ranging from better nurse-to-patient communication to wayfinding to the new patient room renovations that are a part of the MC 2020 revitalization project at the Medical Center. The council is overseen by the Patient and Family Experience Department.

How to Work With a PFAC

The Patient and Family Advisory Councils are qualified to give feedback in many ways. Each PFAC typically meets monthly for two hours to discuss ongoing projects or hear from subject matter expert. Staff attend meetings to give updates, solicit feedback, or recruit PFAC members for their projects or initiatives. You can also interact with the PFAC virtually. PFAC members often join project groups to offer ongoing support.

PFACs Across UMass Memorial Health

There are several PFACs at the Medical Center and within the UMass Memorial Health system established to facilitate feedback from patients and family members. They include:

• Cancer Center PFAC 
• CMC PFAC (Children's Medical Center/pediatric care)
• Cystic Fibrosis PFAC
• LGBTQ+ PFAC
• Maternity PFAC
• NICU PFAC (inpatient/outpatient neonatal intensive care)
• Psych PFAC (inpatient/outpatient psychiatric care)
• Barre Health Center PFAC
• HealthAlliance-Clinton PFAC
• MassHealth PFAC
• Marlborough Hospital PFAC
• Medical Center PFAC (general inpatient/outpatient caret)
• Tri-River Health Center PFAC

• How to Get Involved
• Our Projects
• Vision and Mission
• Contact us: Fill out this form or call 774-443-2558.