HBS1       Title: Raising The Standards With Patient- and Family- Centered Care Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Type: SYMP-EDUCATIONAL Level: ADVANCED Track: - Sponsor(s): - Speaker(s): William Gary Collins; Roslyn S. Marshall; A Bernard Roberson; Jill Williams This presentation will include the study methodology, interventions including changes for improvement, and the analysis of the outcomes. In the philosophy of case management, case managers facilitate the achievement of patient wellness and autonomy through advocacy, assessment, planning, communication, education, resource management, and service facilitation.  Based on the needs and values of the patients, in collaboration with patients and service providers, the case manager links patients with appropriate providers and resources throughout the continuum of health and human services and care settings, while ensuring that the care provided is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. This approach achieves optimum value and desirable outcomes for all-- the patients, their families, and the providers. At the Medical College of Georgia, Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) is used as a vehicle for change to improve patient satisfaction, quality, and safety while decreasing length of stay. PFCC 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. It redefines the relationships between and among consumers and health providers. Our goal is to collaborate with our patients and their families to provide a warm, comfortable and friendly environment that supports healing. In cooperation with case management, patients and families partner with healthcare providers to develop a plan of care. The uniqueness of the case managers’ role as interdisciplinary leader embraces the evidence of change.  We have learned that PFCC is an ongoing collaboration between all team players. By actively involving our case managers in our daily process of PFCC, we create an environment of commitment and motivation to the patients and families we serve. Objectives: State the relevance of Patient- and Family-Centered Care.   Identify the barriers that separate patients and families from the healthcare team.   Analyze the benefits of Patient- and Family-Centered Care.