The Universal Patient Compact™
FAQ

The Universal Patient Compact™ is a statement of principles established by NPSF that define the elements of true and effective partnering between patients and providers. It provides a framework for helping to shape your organization’s efforts, as we commit to integrating patients and families into our care teams. The Compact describes principles that are integral to providing a care process that is truly patient-and-family-centered and that respects the rights of patients.

Q. What are the principles of the Compact?

A. The Compact sets forth principles of the relationship between patients and providers that NPSF considers fundamental to the delivery of safe and high quality care. NPSF considers the principles representative of effective patient and provider partnering and has designed the compact to inform and support hospitals and other organizations in their efforts to incorporate these principles into organizational policy and practice.

Q. How were these principles developed?

A. The initiative for The Universal Patient Compact™ was the outcome of a discussion during a roundtable discussion during the 2007 McKesson Nursing Leadership Congress and was launched as part of the 2009 Patient Safety Awareness Week celebrations. The principles of the Compact, guided by elements of health literacy, were carefully developed through a multi-stakeholder approach. The document was created with input from the Patient and Family Committee at NPSF and affiliated patient advocacy groups, NPSF Board members, Stand Up for Patient Safety member organizations, and a variety of other patient and provider representatives.

Q. How is the Compact different from the Consumer Bill of Rights?

A. The Compact expands on principles contained in the Consumer Bill of Rights to describe a mutual covenant between healthcare providers and their patients. While the Bill of Rights focuses on the patient perspective, the Compact focuses on the relationship between the patient and the patient’s healthcare partners by creating an understanding between the parties about how they will work together.

Q. How can I help my organization use the Compact?

A.

• Share it with your patients or Patient and Family Advisory Council and discuss whether you may want to build a program around the principles.
• Display it areas with easy visibility such as office reception area, waiting and exam rooms, etc. Remember, this is not a legally binding document.
• Conduct discussions among your staff and with your leadership to gauge where you are with respect to these principles. Once the gaps are identified then create goals to focus on the principles.
• Utilize the two-part survey included on the NPSF website at: http://www.npsf.org/paf/compact.php to assist you in gauging where your organization is with respect to these principles. Part 1 is designed to be completed by your organization and asks for your perspective as well as what you believe to be true about the perspective of your patients. Part 2 is designed to be completed by patient representatives and asks the same questions. When comparing the two, resultant gaps will indicate areas of disconnect and opportunities for dialogue and improvement.
• Include it in patient education packets.
• Include it in staff or member orientation handbooks and training manuals.

Q. Will these principles be revised?

A. Yes, as the role of the patients and providers evolves the principles will be updated. NPSF seeks feedback on the principles continually so that it may be reaffirmed annually. As each of you are part of this process and can assist by asking a staff member and a patient representative from your organization to complete the respective two parts of the survey online. Please access the online survey for The Universal Patient Compact: Principles for Partnership by going to: http://www.npsf.org/paf/compact.php

Q. Is the Compact a legally binding document?

A. No, the Compact is not a legal instrument and is not meant to function as a binding contract between the patient and the care provider, nor to replace any form of document that hospitals or organizations may already use for this purpose. For this reason, NPSF encourages each organization to consider its own policies and needs when deciding how best to employ and disseminate the Compact.