Perceptions of Nurses, Patients, and Family Members on Rooming-In in Adult Care: A Cross Sectional Survey Study

To better develop and understand the practice of rooming-in in adult care, this study aims to explore the perceptions of the three most important stakeholders: nurses, patients, and family members.

A cross sectional survey study in a university medical centre in the Netherlands.

A convenience sample was drawn from nurses, adult patients, and family members across ten general wards. Data of patients and family members were collected through online questionnaires, developed and validated prior to the study. Their responses were summarised using descriptive statistics. For the nurses, data were obtained by analysing responses to an open-ended question from an existing questionnaire, using thematic analysis.

The sample consisted of 364 nurses, 26 patients, and 35 family members. Thematic analysis of the nursing data revealed four themes: (1) reducing the workload of nurses, (2) optimising patient recovery, (3) unclear policy and inadequate facilities, and (4) complexities for nurses. Regarding the perceptions of patients and family members, more than 75% perceived that rooming-in enhanced patients' sense of safety. Additionally, 54.1% of family members indicated that rooming-in improved their understanding of medical information. For most patients (57.7%) and family members (62.9%), the rules and conditions for rooming-in were not clear. Moreover, 65.7% of family members reported experiencing physical burden. Both patients and family members rated rooming-in with a median of 8 out of 10.

According to nurses, patients, and family members, rooming-in may be beneficial in reducing nurses' workload, enhancing patient safety, and improving family understanding of medical information.

Given the ambiguity surrounding rooming-in policies in adult care, clear guidelines and their implementation are essential for ensuring their success.

Rooming-in can positively contribute to adult care by facilitating family involvement.

STROBE statement.

No patient or public contribution.