Implementation and Modification of Developmental Care Rounds in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care
• Developmental psychology
• Interprofessional healthcare

Background:

• Cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) require coordinated, developmentally appropriate care.
• Integrating family-centered care is crucial for pediatric patient outcomes.
• Existing care models may not fully address developmental needs in CICUs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and implementation of developmental care rounds in a pediatric CICU.
• To evaluate the impact of these rounds on care coordination and family integration.
• To highlight lessons learned for broader implementation of developmental care practices.

Main Methods:

• An interprofessional team designed and instituted developmental care rounds.
• Data collected on the number of rounds, patients, and family participation rates.
• Iterative modifications to patient selection criteria and team roles were made.

Main Results:

• 230 developmental care rounds were conducted on 169 patients within the first 2 years.
• Family participation in rounds was consistently high, exceeding 85%.
• The structure evolved to significantly integrate family perspectives and experiences.

Conclusions:

• Developmental care rounds effectively enhance coordinated, developmentally appropriate care in a pediatric CICU.
• High family participation is achievable and integral to the success of these rounds.
• Lessons learned provide a foundation for expanding developmental care initiatives hospital-wide.