Shameka Simpson, a mother of nine (including triplets), was invited to join the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) after participating in a research study related to children. Her diverse experiences empower her to advocate for meaningful changes in care delivery, showing how patient voices can truly impact healthcare.
What makes Advocate Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) stand out is its enterprise-wide, patient-driven approach. This model integrates patient and family perspectives directly into care delivery, quality, safety, and research. PFACs intentionally limit staff participation and operate with formal charters, ensuring that authenticity and patient leadership remain at the forefront. By following standardized procedures, PFACs maintain their focus and disband when objectives are achieved. Additionally, PFACs play an active role in reviewing safety and experience data, advising on harm event communications, co-designing digital health solutions, and contributing to system-wide improvements—ensuring that patient input is central to strategy and execution.
Shameka’s motivation for joining PFAC was her desire to help families navigate healthcare complexities. Often the “go-to” advice, she saw PFAC as an opportunity to share her insights and improve care for others. She hopes her involvement will make healthcare more accessible and responsive, especially for new parents. As she notes, “It just helps to be a voice for those who don't have it … it's not only going to affect me, but also everybody.”
Building Relationships and Fostering Communication
Shameka’s advocacy has helped shift healthcare toward more welcoming, personalized environments. She recalls feeling anxious during early doctor visits due to a lack of communication and relationships. Over time, as providers began to build stronger connections with patients, trust and care outcomes improved. She encourages providers to learn their patients’ names, listen actively, and respect their knowledge, especially in today’s information-rich age. Because she feels her identity is deeply connected to motherhood, Shameka finds meaning through PFAC: “So that's important to me … this gives me purpose.” She appreciates PFAC's collaborative environment, which encourages every member to share input and offer feedback. The council documents and acts on every perspective, reinforcing her sense of being heard. Flexible meeting times make participation possible for busy families, and PFAC is now a priority for Shameka —integral to her advocacy and daily life.
Impact on Patient Outcomes: Real-World Changes
Shameka has seen clear improvements in patient care, especially in provider preparedness and follow-up. At a new dentist’s office, staff greeted her and her daughter by name and followed up after a procedure—making her feel welcome and cared for. She attributes these positive changes, in part, to PFAC’s advocacy for relationship-building and patient-centered care. As she describes, “It's funny because as soon as I walk in … it made me feel welcome. You knew my appointment. You knew I was coming. You know why I'm here.”
Encouraging Participation and Advocacy
Shameka strongly recommends PFAC and clinical research participation, emphasizing the importance of being a voice for those who may not feel empowered to speak. She feels participation leads to greater transparency in research, highlighting that involvement ensures safety, quality, and ongoing improvement in healthcare for all.
Shameka s PFAC journey demonstrates how patient and family voices drive positive cultural shifts within healthcare organizations. Her story highlights the importance of active participation, open communication, and relationship-building in achieving better patient outcomes. By sharing her experiences, Shameka inspires others to become involved and make a meaningful difference in their healthcare communities.
Atrium Health welcomes you to contribute to your experiences, perspectives, and expertise as a Patient and Family Advisor or as a member of our healthcare system. Your involvement can positively impact the care journey for patients, families, and the broader community. We encourage you to join us in fostering meaningful healthcare experiences for all. Please reach out via email for more information.