PFAC members contribute their patient and family/caregiver perspectives to help inform and improve the patient and caregiver experience. Participation may be in person, by phone, or through electronic means, and may involve a one-time activity or ongoing involvement with a project team or committee. Activities may include: 

• Attending monthly PFAC meetings 

• Providing input on the design or improvement of programs, services, policies, or processes 

• Collaborating with staff on research design, implementation, or communication 

• ​Offering perspectives to inform legislative or public policy efforts related to cancer care 

• Reviewing and providing input on patient education materials written at approximately a 6th-grade reading level

• Reviewing or helping to draft patient and family communications 

• Presenting or co-presenting to staff, or at conferences and events, to share the patient and family perspective 

• Writing blogs or other content to share personal, cancer-related experiences internally and externally 

Background and Qualities of a PFAC Member 

PFAC members are individuals with lived experience of care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and/or Boston Children’s Hospital, either as a patient or as a caregiver. Members are: 

• ​At least one year past initial diagnosis (for patients), or at least one-year post-bereavement (for bereaved caregivers). 
• Have experience with inpatient and/or outpatient oncology or blood disorder care at DFCI and/or BCH. 
• For caregivers- are a family member, loved one, or friend (at least one year post initial diagnosis) who accompanied the patient to most appointments at DFCI/BCH and provided care and support at home. 
• Interested in patient advocacy and feel comfortable sharing their perspective as a patient or caregiver and using their story in service of advocating for others not at the table. 
• Able and willing to share perspective and constructive feedback in a respectful and professional manner 
• Committed, reliable, and flexible. 

Commitment: 

• PFAC members must commit on average to at least 5-10  hours per month toward all PFAC activities, including attending monthly meetings, has access to and is comfortable using email, and has the ability to download and review electronic materials. 
• Coaching, tech support and access, and interpreter services are available as needed to help and support members function successfully. 
• This role has a 6-year term limit beginning from first PFAC meeting as a member; each year PFAC members sign an annual letter of intent affirming their commitment to serve as a PFAC council member in the following year.

Please note that caregivers applying for this program must obtain a consent form from their loved one, or from the loved one’s personal representative, to apply for this role. The consent form is attached as part of the application process. Any questions about the consent process can be directed to [email protected].