Leveraging Digital Patient and Family Advisory Councils to Drive Patient Engagement

Priya Radhakrishnan, HonorHealth Academic Affairs, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA AND ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine & Medical EngineeringFollow
Shambhavi Mishra, HonorHealth Academic Affairs, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Melissa Price, HonorHealth Corporate, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Cammy Sanders, HonorHealth Corporate, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Fiker Bekele, HonorHealth Academic Affairs, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Kathi Zarubi, HonorHealth Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Craig Kartchner, HonorHealth Corporate, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Amrit Singh Johal, Barrett, the Honors College, Arizona State UniversityFollow
Carol Mayer, HonorHealth Academic Affairs, Scottsdale, Arizona, USAFollow
Craig Norquist, HonorHealth Academic Affairs, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA AND ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine & Medical EngineeringFollow

Abstract

Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) have been integral in enhancing patient care, but their limited reach often excludes underrepresented populations. Digital PFACs present an opportunity to overcome these barriers and engage a broader spectrum of patients and families, fostering more inclusive healthcare decision-making. We implemented a Digital Patient and Family Advisory Council (DPFAC) at HonorHealth, as part of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) capacity building grant. We used the RE-AIM and PRISM frameworks to engage participants through a digital platform. The process began with a needs assessment and was followed by the development of the platform, during which we incorporated patient feedback on its design and functionality. Launched in September 2024, the DPFAC platform has engaged 30,461 participants, with 2,075 responding to a welcome survey. Key insights revealed strong interest in digital health engagement, with 64% expressing willingness to participate in further activities, though barriers like time constraints were prevalent. The DPFAC model proved effective in reaching a broader patient population, improving engagement, and enhancing care feedback loops. The digital platform offers potential for ongoing patient involvement in healthcare decision-making, influencing areas such as patient satisfaction, clinical research, and patient-centered outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Radhakrishnan P, Mishra S, Price M, Sanders C, Bekele F, Zarubi K, Kartchner C, Johal A, Mayer C, Norquist C. Leveraging Digital Patient and Family Advisory Councils to Drive Patient Engagement. Patient Experience Journal. 2026; 13(1):240-248. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2093.