Patient and family-centered interdisciplinary rounds and patient satisfaction: A controlled intervention study

Interdisciplinary rounds are a core component of care delivery in intensive care units (ICUs), supporting communication, coordination, and shared decision-making. Although patient- and family-centered interdisciplinary rounds (PFCC-IR) are recommended, evidence linking PFCC-IR to patients' satisfaction with nursing care remains limited, as prior research has focused largely on family perceptions. This study evaluated the effect of family engagement during ICU interdisciplinary rounds on patient satisfaction with nursing care.

A quasi-experimental, two-group pre-post design was conducted in adult ICUs. Patients in the intervention group had a family member participate in interdisciplinary rounds, whereas control patients received standard care without family involvement. Using convenience sampling, 150 patients were enrolled (75 per group). Satisfaction was measured pre- and post-intervention using the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire, which demonstrated high internal consistency. Linear mixed-effects regression examined group differences over time, adjusting for age, gender, marital status, and number of rounds attended.

Participants had a mean age of 63.4 years; 41% were male, and 41% were married. Satisfaction scores changed minimally in the control group (mean difference = 0.76, p = 0.20). In contrast, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement following family engagement during rounds (mean difference = -47.4, p < 0.001). Linear mixed-effects analysis confirmed a significant treatment effect (time × group interaction = -47.43, p < 0.001).

Engaging family members during ICU interdisciplinary rounds was associated with significantly improved patient satisfaction with nursing care. These findings support the Society for Critical Care Medicine's clinical practice guidelines recommending that families be offered the option to be present and engaged during ICU rounds.

Integrating structured family participation into ICU interdisciplinary rounds is a feasible, nursing-led strategy to enhance communication and patient-centered care. Institutions should implement clear policies and workflows to support family engagement.