A Family-Centered “Visitation” Policy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit That Welcomes Parents As Partners :

Drawing on several decades of work with families, pediatricians, other health care professionals, and policy makers, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides a definition of patient- and family-centered care. In pediatrics, patient- and family-centered care is based on the understanding that the family is the child's primary source of strength and support. Further, this approach to care recognizes that the perspectives and information provided by families, children, and young adults are essential components of high-quality clinical decision-making, and that patients and family are integral partners with the health care team. This policy statement outlines the core principles of patient- and family-centered care, summarizes some of the recent literature linking patient- and family-centered care to improved health outcomes, and lists various other benefits to be expected when engaging in patient- and family-centered pediatric practice. The statement concludes with specific recommendations for how pediatricians can integrate patient- and family-centered care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, and in broader systems of care, as well.

The importance of patient-centered care and the role of families in decision-making are becoming more recognized. Starting with a single acute care unit, a multidisciplinary improvement team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital developed and implemented a new process that allows families to decide if they want to be part of attending-physician rounds. Family involvement seems to improve communication, shares decision-making, and offers new learning for residents and students. Despite initial concerns of staff members, family-centered rounds has been widely accepted and spread throughout the institution. Here we report our experiences as a potential model to improve family-centered care and teaching.