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Family Experiences in Pediatric Hospital Care: Key Insights for Improvement Free

June 2, 2025

Having a child admitted to the hospital will inevitably bring about a number of emotions and fears that can be helped or hindered by the care they receive. A recent study by Kerry A. Reynolds et al titled “Family Experience with Hospital Care Teams: A Qualitative Investigation” published in Hospital Pediatrics explores the nuanced experiences of parents and guardians of hospitalized children (10.1542/hpeds.2023-007721). Through the use of open-ended survey data, the research highlights both strengths and areas for improvement in family-centered pediatric hospital care.

The approach taken by the study team was to highlight primary themes that came from a national survey offered to parents of children who stayed at least one night in a hospital. A common takeaway emphasized the value of parent communication. This was discussed in the setting of clear and frequent communication with families on care plans, updates on test results and overall impressions and expectations of the hospital stay. Similarly, families touched on the importance of communication within the healthcare team to ensure providers are on the same page and that care plans are carried out seamlessly. In this same regard, it was revealed that some parents found lapses in their child’s care, including missed medication doses or inaccurate or incomplete knowledge of the patient’s medical history. The discussion alludes to the potential for more work to be done to solidify the role for caregiver involvement as safety advocates to minimize risk and hospital harm.

Another complex dynamic addressed by the study is the family perception of medical trainees. Parents expressed frustration over repetitive questioning, the sharing of conflicting information, and delays in care due to inexperienced trainees needing to call supervisors. There is a fine balance between allowing room for trainees to grow and keeping the patient and their caregivers the focus of every encounter. Training programs may improve this perception by more closely monitoring and evaluating trainees and their interactions with patient families at bedside and by clarifying their roles and what to expect being admitted to an academic medical center.

Although areas for improvement made up the bulk of the discussion, it is also important to note that many positive thoughts and reflections were shared as well. The emotional toll of hospitalization was a recurring theme. Parents deeply appreciated providers who offered comfort, addressed fears, and engaged with their child in age-appropriate ways. This study goes beyond quantitative data, providing rich, firsthand accounts that reveal actionable opportunities for improvement. By addressing communication, care team interactions, safety and parent advocacy, hospitals can create more supportive, family-centered environments. For a deeper dive into these themes, including illustrative quotes and detailed reflections, read the full article in Hospital Pediatrics. The insights discussed are valuable to healthcare providers and administrators committed to enhancing pediatric care through quality improvement projects and patient advocacy councils to ensure families feel heard, informed, and supported during challenging times.

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