Hospital Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts: Perspectives of Patient and Family Advisors

Patient and family advisory councils (PFACs) can have hospital-wide impact in areas such as research, patient safety, and patient family experience. However, the lack of diversity among patient and family advisors (PFAs) can result in the exclusion of important perspectives from communities at greater risk for health inequities. This article published in Pediatrics describes a study led by the Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center that explored PFA perspectives on recruiting, preparing, and supporting PFAs from marginalized communities and developing meaningful partnerships with PFACs to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within children’s hospitals. The study’s findings revealed barriers and facilitators for diverse and inclusive PFACs that were voiced by PFAs from underrepresented communities—insights that can be used to strengthen hospital DEI efforts.