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Family-Centered Rounds Improve Education and Quality of Care for Pediatric Residents

Washington, DC—While many academic hospitals have adopted family-centered rounds, little is known about how this practice helps residents and their education. A team from Children’s National Medical Center along with Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, sought to conduct focus groups with pediatric residents who were exposed to family-centered rounds and determine its effectiveness. 

The team published a study in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, which revealed pediatric residents found efficient family-centered rounds improved their education and understanding, while also improving quality of patient care. “This study helped us understand how family-centered rounds not only help our pediatric residents learn, but also help to improve patient care as the main goal of our education teams,” stated Mary Ottolini, MD, MPH, Vice Chair of the Office of Medical Education at Children’s National and one of the contributors to the study.

Although family-centered rounds can be difficult to conduct in busy inpatient units, they give pediatric residents more exposure to family interactions and how to be compassionate, respectful, accountable, and sensitive to diverse families. The residents also believed that the rounds improved communication with families, improved parents’ satisfaction, and decreased patient stay.

Among those listed as co-authors of the study are Terry Kind, MD, MPH, Director of Pediatric Medical Student Education, and Joyce Campbell, BSN, MSN, at Children’s National. From Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas are Glenn Flores, MD, Benjamin C. Lee, MD, and Timothy McCavit, MD.

The Pediatric Resident Program at Children’s National Medical Center is a competitive residency program in the nation’s capital that offers medical residents extensive training in subspecialty and general pediatric care. The Children’s National program offers special advocacy, global health, and research opportunities, making the experience unique.

Contact: Emily Hartman or Paula Darte, 202-476-4500

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