Family-centered rounds: views of families, nurses, trainees, and attending physicians

To study the impact of family-centered rounds for general pediatrics inpatients.

An observation tool and participant surveys was developed. The authors analyzed rounding time and rounds participants. Associations between family presence and participants' satisfaction were analyzed.

Data were collected on 295 patients and from 257 staff members. Average rounding time was reduced with increased family and nurse presence (8.7 minutes with both, 12.7 minutes without family, P = .0001). Families reported high satisfaction regardless of participants. Families present on rounds reported increased knowledge of team members' roles (54% vs 35%, P = .04). Attending physicians more often reported ease in managing rounds with families present. Senior residents perceived decreased autonomy with high family participation (11%) versus low family participation (70%; P = .02). Improved nurse satisfaction was associated with increased family and nurse participation.

Family participation may shorten inpatient rounds. Families and staff were satisfied with family-centered rounds, though senior resident autonomy requires attention.