Support Groups
About Patient Support Groups
A goal in patient and family engagement is to create a culture of shared responsibility for improvement within the facility. Healthcare that results in the best outcomes revolves around teamwork. The Network aims to help create an environment where patients are a part of the healthcare team. Facilities can adopt this method to continue to increase patient engagement.
To increase patient engagement, facilities can:
- Implement an internal policy and procedure and/or develop a policy and procedure in regards to inviting patients, family members, or caregivers to be included in their plan of care
- Identify an individual to serve as a patient ambassador
Improving patient and family engagement practices at the facility level can help with:
- Establishing patient council support groups and/or new patient adjustment groups
- Incorporating patient, family, and caregiver participation into Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings and the governing body of the facility
- Developing policy ad procedures related to patient, family, and caregiver participation in the patient's care
Tools & Resources
Provider Education
- Support Group Tips for Facilities: PDF
Patient Education
- Support Group Tips: Program Handout
- Renal Support Network (RSN) Online Monthly Support Group Meetings: Link
- Support Groups: Creating Community PAC Speaks: Article
- Community Patient Support Group: Guide

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us:
Patient Support Group
Every Fourth Wednesday of the Month
Support Group Meeting Link
Meeting Number: 616 535 334
Password: IPROPFR