Magnet journey: a quality improvement project—implementation of family visitation in the PACU

Over the years, patient- and family-centered care has been a focus of many researchers in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) setting. Despite evidence pointing to the benefits and positive outcomes of partnering with family in patient care in pediatric and adult PACUs, this practice has not gained popularity in the adult PACUs of many hospitals. The purpose of this project was to test and validate the benefits of including families as partners in care in the PACU.

A pre/post exploratory design using survey methodology was used.

Survey questionnaires were administered to patients, family, and nursing staff before and after the implementation of a patient visitation program.

Patient and family satisfaction increased after implementation of the family visitation program. Nursing satisfaction with and openness to family visitation also increased.

Results provide the evidence base to implement an open visitation policy that has been made permanent as a standard of care practiced in all the PACU sites throughout the health system.