Patient and Family Engagement Team Recognized for Work in 2025

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital (SMH) proudly recognizes the tremendous work of its Patient and Family Engagement Team over the past year. This dedicated group of patient advisors, community members, and staff has played an essential role in improving the overall healthcare experience for patients and their families.

The Patient and Family Engagement Team serves as a vital voice in helping SMH identify opportunities for improvement, enhance communication, and strengthen patient-centered care. Their contributions have led to meaningful changes across a wide range of services and systems throughout the hospital.

Key areas where the team provided valuable feedback include:

• SMHPRECHECK Appointment Check-In System
• MyHealth Patient Portal
• Phone system enhancements and call routing
• Communication practices within provider offices
• Patient Experience Survey process improvements
• Wayfinding concerns throughout the facility
• Inpatient patient information packet review
• Updated dietary menus for hospitalized patients
• Fall prevention signage, alerts, and education materials
• Inpatient TIPS (Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety) sheet
• Community Connections website resource development
• Transportation and other health-related social needs
• Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
• Advanced Care Planning and Advance Directives
• SMH public website redesign input
• In addition to offering feedback, the team helped bring several impactful ideas to life:
• Distribution of canes to those in need
• Implementation of the “File of Life” emergency information tool
• Launch of a community fall prevention class: “Take Out the Fear of Falling”
• Development of a pre-surgical assessment for post-op equipment needs
• Creation of a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Resource Handout
• Volunteering at multiple community outreach and education events

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to the team members who have generously shared their time, experiences, and perspectives to help build a healthier, more compassionate healthcare system.

For more information on the Patient and Family Engagement Team on how to get involved, please contact Kena Nicholson, Quality Coordinator, at 906-341-3758.