KCH FAC Highlights
September 2020 - August 2021
In early 2020 the hospital restricted access for volunteers to protect their health and safety from Covid-19. KCH FAC explored other ways to support patients, families and hospital staff. Many of our activities became virtual.
Members
We work alongside NYP and Komansky senior leadership and hospital staff and have their full support and backing as we strive to promote patient - and family-centered care
Family Faculty
Educate approximately 82 nurses each year through nursing orientation. These are KCH FAC led trainings that teach the nurses to listen and work closely with families and primary caregivers, and to treat them with respect, kindness and empathy
Approximate number of Cornell medical students co-educated virtually using the “Case of Bao” in how to actively listen and communicate effectively with families, as well as educating them in cultural sensitivity
Approximate number who train each year in patient-and family-centered care
Actively working on developing two new cases to co-educate medical students on how to engage effectively with 1. a patient with autism; and 2. a patient and family with language and cultural differences
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
In collaboration with hospital staff, the KCH FAC focuses on building an inclusive environment by:
- Creating a FAC that reflects the hospital’s patients and families
- Bringing the family perspective to the hospital’s DEI training
- Improving education and support programs
- Empowering members to effect meaningful change
Members are co-developing a program to offer food vouchers to families with food insecurity
Support
Number of biweekly virtual support meetings for parents and caregivers
Parent-2-Parent Mentoring Program matches members with parents or caregivers currently facing a similar experience or diagnosis through a secure phone call for personalized support
Advisors Committees
Number of different committees our members sit on to offer patient and family perspective and insight
Committees include:
Award-Winning Simulation-based Discharge Program: together with medical staff we help educate families to care for their child’s medical device using a medical simulation manikin so they feel more confident before their child goes home with the device
Quality and Safety
Members sit on committees that address Hospital-Acquired Conditions like Impact/Readmissions, Adverse Drug Events, CLABSI, CAUTI, UE and others
Continue to work closely with NYP leadership on the printing and distribution of Speak up for Safety cards. The CLABSI safety card is used in all units
Code ONC: Partnered with hospital staff to develop a protocol to ensure timely administration of antibiotics to pediatric cancer patients with fever and neutropenia (low white blood cell count) upon their arrival in the Emergency Department
Conferences and Presentations
Presented at virtual International Institute for Patient-and Family- Centered Care (IPFCC) Conference
Led Patient and Family Engagement group and presented at virtual Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) NY State Regional Conference