One institution's effort to implement family-centered care

A children's hospital in the midwest initiated widespread changes in care delivery to provide care that is truly family-centered in practice. The role of nurses, from nursing administration to the staff nurse level, has been a key element in initiating and implementing the institution's move to family-centered care. A Family Advisory Council, composed of hospital personnel and families, identifies family needs and recommends new programs and approaches. Participants in a nursing leadership retreat designated family-centered care as a priority and piloted several innovative programs. Nursing commitment has encouraged other disciplines and departments to initiate family-centered practices as well.