Few people want to become involved with the healthcare system. We’d rather our whole family stayed healthy. But for some patients and families, working to make their own healthcare better leads them in exciting new directions. They can become advisors to the system. They can make a real difference in the healthcare and lives of other patients.

Most hospitals and health care systems now have patient and family advisors. Advisors can show doctors and administrators the patient’s point of view. They can lead staff through a typical visit or hospital stay, as seen by the patient and family.  They can consult and help providers to understand what it’s like for patients.

Advisors often find that they grow and learn from their work. They might learn to express themselves better or become public speakers. They may also gain other rewards. As one advisor said, “What really made me feel good was to see that they were starting to make changes based on what I told them. That made me feel good, because I realized that I was able to make a difference. I feel like ‘this is what I was meant to do.’”

Patient/family advisors are usually paid a small stipend for their work or compensated in other ways. Some become leaders in helping their systems change. 

You can find out more about the work of patient and family advisors by visiting the pages in the left hand column.  

Click here for helpful resources about improving health care for others.