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Background Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU) is an extremely challenging environment. Being a parent to a critically unwell child creates a multitude of complex and varying emotions. The unwell child is frequently not able to express their needs, and healthcare professionals must recognize the valuable role parents play in advocacy.1 Methods In Northern Ireland’s regional Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC),we introduced an initial pilot project of parents being invited to be present during the daily morning ward rounds in PICU. The proposed aims included improved communication, enriched parental empowerment and a more holistic approach to family-centred care. We carried out pre and post evaluation of staff and parent opinions following a trial period of permitting carers access to the morning ward rounds, and followed up at a later stage six months later. We also carried out a blinded two-week audit of ward round times before and after implementation of this initiative. Results Staff response rate at each survey period was >75%. 30% of staff agreed with the concept on pre-survey. Themes such as confidentiality and inefficient ward rounds were revealed on qualitative analysis. 94% of parents surveyed were keen to partake in the ward rounds. Following the trial period, a small improvement in staff consensus was noted with 39% of staff in agreement. Six months later, following embedment of the initiative, a significant change was noted with 81% of all staff members in agreement. Audit of ward round times revealed a difference of 4 min per patient more efficient, when parents were invited on the ward round. Conclusions Change in any unit or organisation is a gradual and evolving process. All staff members’ opinions and views must be considered. This project has had a highly contentious and emotive project, which eventually gained the majority of staff support and has had a significant positive impact on the unit. Unexpectedly we discovered our ward rounds became more efficient streamlining the day allowing more time for patient care and education. The principles of partnership, teamwork, communication and family-centred care are the fundamental values championed through this initiative. References Latour JM, van Goudoever JB, Hazelzet JA, et al. Parent Satisfactions in the Pediatric ICU. Pediatric Clin N Am. 55 (2008) 779–790 |
