Listening Organizations: Elevating the Human Experience in Healthcare through the Lived Experience of Patient & Families

Experts from around the world in the field of patient and family partnerships come together to explore the evolving role of Patient and Family Advisors (PFAs) in shaping the future of healthcare. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the importance of truly listening to and learning from the lived experiences of patients and families to drive meaningful change. Contributors identify current gaps in the way PFAs are utilized within healthcare organizations, noting missed opportunities for deeper engagement and collaboration. They also share their aspirations for how PFAs can be more fully integrated as essential partners in quality improvement, policy development, and system design. The conversation emphasizes the foundational elements needed to become a “listening organization”—one that actively values and acts on the insights of its patients and families. Through these shared reflections, the discussion offers a compelling vision for expanding the role of PFAs as a vital resource in advancing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Related content
-
Patient Family & Community Engagement
“You May Not Appreciate This Now, But You May Later”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact and Meaning of Legacy Interventions as Defined by Bereaved Parents
The death of a child is a significant event that affects the family system. Families of dying children need comprehensive support to help them cope with their trauma and loss. However, there is little research that examines parental preferences and grieving support needs. This study explored bereaved parent mentors’ perspectives on legacy interventions to identify
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
Driving Healthy Behaviors through Social Support: The Role of Co-Responsibility in Weight Loss and Maintenance
The effectiveness of out of hospital lifestyle interventions in healthcare is likely co-dependent on social support from involved one’s. We sought to investigate the interrelationships between patient-partner Co-responsibility, Spousal Support, and Self-efficacy and the mechanisms through which they contribute to health behaviors and outcomes relevant to weight loss and maintenance.
Learn more -
Culture & Leadership | Patient Family & Community Engagement
Applying Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Co-design with Patient Experience Partners
Watch this webinar to learn about the Patient Experience Partner (PXP) Program at North York General Hospital (NYGH), a 480-acute care bed community academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The presenters will provide an overview of a specialized volunteer program for the purpose of informing hospital service design through the patient and caregiver lens. PXPs
Learn more