Follow Up and Closure

The last step to successful family involvement involves follow up and closure. It is important to get and give feedback and tie up any loose ends with your participating family member.

Communication is key to the final steps of successful family involvement:

• Debrief with the family, address any questions, request post-event thoughts and give and solicit involvement feedback.
• Send a thank you note in appreciation of their participation.
• Provide financial compensation if available (per your prior discussion).
• Set a reminder to follow up with the family with future outcomes of the activity as it enfolds.

For another resource regarding involving family as advisors in healthcare settings, please visit the Institute for Patient and Family Centered Care. Or you may return to Involving Families as Advisors.