Taking family-centered care to a higher level on the heart and kidney unit

The Interdisciplinary team on the 15-bed Heart and Kidney Unit at a large 270-bed children's hospital in a metropolitan area wanted to achieve a higher level of family-centered care (FCC). We already had strong family support services, such as child life specialists, social work, and pastoral care, and we encouraged family input and involvement in their child's care, but we wanted to reach for a stronger approach to FCC. We began our journey by evaluating what FCC is and how it is actualized. The establishment of our Family Advisory Board enabled us to reach toward a higher level of FCC. As our journey has continued, we realize that one cannot underestimate the cultural change this journey necessitates. Changing attitudes, education, and supporting all involved are at times difficult to do, but very important.