Family as Faculty

Nationwide Children’s Hospital recognizes that parents (or grandparents, family members and caregivers) are the constants in their children’s lives and are the experts regarding their own families. Families whose children have been cared for by our hospital are uniquely prepared to be our staff’s teachers about family-centered care.

• Children are children all of the time, even when they are sick.
• Children are part of families which have interests, activities and priorities beyond the medical environment.
• The best care for children comes from a collaborative effort and trust between families and health care professionals.

Family as Faculty (FAF) is composed of dedicated parents, grandparents, family members, caregivers and even patients who are familiar with Nationwide Children’s, most of whom have children with special needs. Through their personal narratives and presentations, FAF members strive to help physicians and staff gain a deeper understanding of patient and family centered care along with the unique family experience, both inside and outside the hospital.

A FAF presenter shares his or her story at each New Employee Orientation and at many standing educational sessions for medical, nursing and allied health professionals. These FAF members also present to departments and other groups when requested.

Family as Faculty is a nationally recognized program that is fully supported by Nationwide Children’s. Parents of patients are provided training and assistance to develop a presentation and have the opportunity to work with and support each other through this process.

Sharing Their Stories

Here are just a few of the takeaways from past attendees:

“Hearing from a parent’s perspective gave valuable insight into not only the medical, but personal aspect of the speaker’s child’s condition.”

“This was a great reminder to consider factors other than medical problems that affect a family – consider how the illness will affect the patient/family after they leave the hospital.”

“… helped me learn about communication with families and important pointers for how to say certain things or approach difficult conversations.”

“… reminded me to view my patients as more than their disease or medical condition and to always keep in mind the patient is a son/daughter and part of a family.”