Patient and Family Engagement

Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital, Chicago
Reducing Readmissions Through Community Involvement, Staff Training and Individualized Programs

With a focus on at-risk populations, Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital created a specialized inpatient unit for LGBTQ adolescents and a service line for adolescent victims of sex trafficking. Current and former patients were on the diverse project team that developed clinical programs around patients’ cultural traditions, personal preferences and values, family situations, and lifestyles.

These unique programs ensure patients are an integral part of their care team. As a result:

• Readmissions decreased 14.5% in 2018; and
• Patient outcomes and satisfaction improved.