Patient and Family Advisors

We Engage Patients to Improve the Duke Health Experience

Overview

Duke Health patient and family advisors are volunteers who help improve the patient and family experience at Duke hospitals and clinics. We provide patient and family perspectives on patient care initiatives, projects, programs, and facilities. We hope you’ll join us.

Become a Patient and Family Advisor

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Patient and family advisor membership is open to adults ages 18 and older. Members may choose to serve on a council or in an independent role. Opportunities are available at Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Hospice, as well as Duke Primary Care, specialty care clinics, and other areas throughout Duke Health. Council member responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Attending regular patient and family advisory council meetings
  • Participating in topic-specific focus consumer groups
  • Reviewing patient and family educational and marketing materials
  • Providing feedback on building design and improvements
  • Advising on new way-finding technology
  • Participating on committees to provide the patient voice and perspective
  • Providing the patient and caregiver’s voice in all aspects of care

Why Our Work Matters

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Engaging patients and families in the early stages of a project’s design lead to long-term benefits, including better health outcomes for patients, a stronger and more positive patient and caregiver relationship, and a more patient-centered experience.

If you are interested in volunteering or in learning more about volunteering a Patient and Family advisor, please complete our volunteer application.

Volunteer Requirements

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  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Flu (Seasonal) and COVID-19 full vaccination and booster required (exemptions may be filed).
  • Must complete the application process, including references, background screening, and health clearance.
  • Must complete the mandatory hospital and department orientation.
  • Adhere to all Duke Health policies and procedures.
  • Must complete of required annual training.
  • Commit to at least two hours per month and the minimum terms as defined by the individual council (typically 1-2 years minimum).

Patient and Family Advisor Volunteer Opportunities

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Patient and family advisors represent the patient and family voice and experience based on both location and care area. Opportunities are available across the health system.

Description

The Beneficial Representative Advisory Council is comprised of local Medicare beneficiaries who receive care within the Duke accountable care organization network. This council partners with Duke Connected Care, a physician-led accountable care organization, to create strategies to improve performance and better engage beneficiaries.

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Duke Health offers councils in the following areas:

  • Oncology

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Duke University Hospital offers councils in the following areas:

  • Heart
  • Neurosciences

Description

Members work on initiatives to improve the patient and family experience so that the next patient or family member's journey is easier.

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Trained volunteers and staff work together to provide input on issues that affect care and the patient experience. Meetings for this council are all virtual until further notice.

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Duke Primary Care Patient and Family Advisory Council members help improve the patient and family experience within Duke Primary Care.

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Members work to improve the patient and family experience within the Private Diagnostic Clinic's primary and specialty care clinics.

Contact Duke Health Volunteer Services

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Whatever your interests or skills, Duke Health Volunteer Services is committed to finding the right opportunity for you. We look forward to working with you. If you have questions, please call us at 919-681-6088 or email us at dukehealthvolunteerservices@dm.duke.edu