Current Caregiver Perspectives and Effects of Demographics on Family-Centered Rounds

The 2010 Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings survey stated that 44% of pediatric hospitals practiced family-centered rounds (FCRs). We aimed to study caregivers’ opinions of FCRs and determine if there are demographic associations with these opinions. A cross-sectional survey of caregivers who attended FCRs was conducted at a tertiary-care general pediatrics unit. The survey contained Likert-type scale and qualitative questions. Fisher’s exact test was used to test demographic associations. Only English proficient caregivers were included. Almost all (99%) caregivers liked being present during rounds, 19% felt that there were too many people present during rounds and 15% felt that medical jargon was used. Significant demographic associations were found including older caregivers being less comfortable asking questions as well as more neutral responses from African Americans and those with less education. Opportunity exists to customize FCRs and tailor rounding according to demographics, opening the door for future quality improvement projects.