Family presence is an evidence-based approach to health care that welcomes patient designated family/support persons to be partners in care. It is widely recognized to contribute to improved patient outcomes, safety, enhanced patient experience, better workforce satisfaction, reduced use of physical/chemical restraints, shortened acute care stays, smoother transitions in care and more effective management of illness.

AHS is committed to moving away from “family as visitors” towards family as partners and integral care team members.

The Family Presence Policy Suite

The Policy Suite contains two key documents, all teams must be familiar with:

• The Family Presence: Designated Family/Support Person & Visitor Policy outlines the organizations expectations for implementing Family Presence philosophy and practice.
• The Managing Limits to Family Presence Procedure, provides staff with clear direction for implementing limits to family and visitor access at AHS sites.

It is recommended all teams complete the Family Presence Policy Checklist for their service area.

Questions?

Contact the provincial Engagement & Patient Experience team at
patient.engagement@ahs.ca for questions and policy implementation support