This tested, evidence-based guide helps hospitals work as partners with patients and families around four specific strategies. Each strategy contains an implementation handbook and tools for patients, families, and clinicians.
Funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Guide encourages safer, higher quality care by facilitating patient and family involvement in improving hospital experiences, care delivery, and outcomes. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) led a team of organizations (which included The Joint Commission) to develop, implement and evaluate the Guide.
This online resource from AHRQ will help patients, families, and health professionals work together as partners to promote improvement in care. Research shows that when patients are engaged, it can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality. The Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety, is available at no charge and outlines four strategies hospitals can use to connect with patients and families, including:
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Encourage patients and family members to participate as advisors.
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Promote better communication among patients, family members, and health care professionals from the point of admission.
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Implement safe continuity of care by keeping the patient and family informed through nurse bedside change-of-shift reports.
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Engage patients and families in discharge planning throughout the hospital stay.
For more information, see the AHRQ website.