Careers, Education, and Certifications in Patient and Family Engagement

Abstract

Many organizations are recognizing the value of patient and family engagement in health care and are hiring people with the appropriate skills and temperament for positions of this nature. The positions come with many different names and are in both hospitals and other healthcare settings, quality organizations, product developers, and additional settings. Organizations are generally seeking a leader that understands what it means to put the patient at the center of everything that is done from patient care to policy development. Positions in patient and family engagement span the gamut from professionals in a healthcare facility, integrated care management entities, quality improvement entities, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical associations and societies. Most healthcare organizations will also have a Director of Quality Improvement, Chief Quality Officer, Patient Safety Officers, or some combination of the roles. As the healthcare system continues to transform from fee-for-service to value-based care, new positions are being developed, such as the Director of Value and Care Coordination.