The patient and family advisory council (PFAC) of a large healthcare institution is asked to...

This question aligns with Design and Innovation , particularly the principles of Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) . In EBCD, patients and families contribute most effectively by focusing on the lived experience , including usability, comfort, emotional impact, and how care environments feel and function from the user’s perspective. Therefore, aesthetics of experience (usability and human-centered design) is the primary area where PFAC input is most valuable. CPXP emphasizes that while engineering, performance, and structural elements are critical, they are typically led by technical experts. Patients and families uniquely inform how spaces support healing, reduce stress, improve communication, and enhance overall experience. Prioritizing usability ensures that the ICU design reflects real patient and family needs, making care more accessible, compassionate, and effective.