Family-Centred Care Rounds in a Neonatal Intensive Care Setting: An Implementation Sciences Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal intensive care
• Family-centered care
• Healthcare communication

Background:

• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents experience significant stress.
• Clear communication and family involvement are crucial for parental well-being.
• Family-centered rounds (FCR) are a key component of family-centered care (FCC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing FCR in a Swiss NICU.
• Evaluate acceptability, implementation, and limited efficacy of FCR.

Main Methods:

• One-group pre-post feasibility study (June-September 2022).
• Measured participation rate, duration, fidelity, parent-reported stress and satisfaction (PSS, EMPATHIC-N), and HCP-reported collaboration (AITCS-II).

Main Results:

• 37 FCRs conducted with 7 parents (24% participation).
• FCRs averaged 12m13s; parents reported reduced stress and increased satisfaction.
• Healthcare professionals noted improved care coordination.

Conclusions:

• FCR implementation in a NICU setting is feasible.
• FCR shows potential to improve parental stress, satisfaction, and interprofessional collaboration.
• Further evaluation of FCR sustainability is warranted.