OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Medical Group will stand up a new Patient and Family Advisory Council to increase input and feedback from their beneficiaries helping them improve overall medical care.
The concept was mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act as a requirement for all military healthcare facilities.
“The goal of the PFAC is to build positive relationships between the 55th Medical Group, Ehrling Bergquist Clinic and our beneficiaries,” said 2d Lt. Ruchelle Austin, 55th Medical Support Squadron TRICARE operations and patient administration flight commander. “We can accomplish this by empowering patients to collaborate and share ideas that will improve patient experience and satisfaction.”
The council will consist of 10 - 12 volunteers to include a mix of active duty, retirees, military family members and EBC staff members.
“Volunteers are required to submit an application and must be enrolled to the 55th Medical Group,” Austin said. “The council will also include five staff members with a direct line to the executive staff and the medical group commander.”
Those interested in applying for the council should watch for an announcement over the next few weeks from the MDG.
“A call for volunteers and application instructions will go out to beneficiaries by way of internal advertisement, the base newspaper and word of mouth from providers and clinic staff,” Austin said. “Beneficiaries can also request an application via email.”
The plan is to have the first PFAC meeting in December.
“We are excited for this opportunity to partner with our patients to improve our health care delivery,” said Col. Judy Stoltmann, 55th MDG commander. “Increased patient involvement is key to developing our commitment to providing trusted care now and in the future.”