Patient and Family Advisory Program: Your experiences are a powerful tool for inspiring change

For patients and families in Illinois

The UW Health Patient and Family Advisory Council in Illinois includes patients, families and members of the healthcare team who meet regularly to provide constructive feedback on various topics affecting the patient and family experience.

For patients and families in Wisconsin

There are different ways of participating as a Patient and Family Advisor in Wisconsin, including:

Virtual Advising Community

A flexible option that engages Patient and Family Advisors through email, online surveys and virtual focus groups, making participation convenient and accessible.

Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs)

Structured groups that meet regularly (monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly) to provide valuable guidance on enhancing patient and family experiences. Council members typically serve 2-year terms with the option to renew. Depending on the council, meetings may be held virtually, in-person, or both. Each council has specific eligibility criteria and recruitment periods. Current opportunities are listed on the interest form.

Internal Workgroups and Committees

To incorporate patient and family perspectives into quality improvement, a select number of Patient and Family Advisors are invited to serve on internal workgroups and committees across UW Health. Participation requirements and commitments vary.

• Participation is open to anyone 18+ who has received care from UW Health in the past two years or is a family member or informal caregiver of someone who has.

• Opportunities vary depending on whether care was received at a UW Health facility in Wisconsin or Illinois.

• Employees may participate in the Patient and Family Advisory Program but cannot serve as advisors on councils or projects directly related to their area of employment.

Patient and Family Advisory Council eligibility

• Individuals should bring lived experience from receiving care—or supporting a loved one who received care—at a UW Health facility in the specific area the council represents.

• Most councils hold regular meetings—often monthly or quarterly—either in person or virtually. Members are expected to consistently attend and actively participate in council meetings for the length of their term (typically a minimum of 2 years).

• Other criteria and selection processes vary by council.

Participation requirements

• Sign a confidentiality and expectations agreement.

• Complete all orientation steps.

• For councils in Wisconsin, orientation includes a 30-minute, self-guided online orientation.

To participate in the Patient and Family Advisory Council:

• Read through the information on this site to learn about participation opportunities and requirements.

• Submit an interest form.

  • All interest forms will be screened. Please understand that we may not be able to offer interviews or placement to everyone interested in a specific opportunity. Patient and Family Advisor selections will be made to ensure a diverse representation of the communities we serve.

• Submissions most suitable for our current opportunities will be contacted with next steps.

  • For council membership, this includes a short phone call with a council leader to learn more about the council, ask questions and see if it’s a good mutual fit.

Please reach out with any questions about the UW Health Patient and Family Advisory Program.

In Wisconsin

Email: PFAPartnerships@uwhealth.org

Mail:
UW Health PFA Program
Mail Code 1005
7974 UW Health Court
Middleton, WI 53562

In Illinois

Email: sanderson-beatty@uwhealth.org or edysart@uwhealth.org