677: ADOLESCENT PARTICIPATION IN FAMILY-CENTERED ROUNDS

Abstract

Introduction: Family-Centered Rounds (FCRs) are inpatient, multidisciplinary rounds involving parents’ perspectives in medical decision making with the most perceived benefit being increased family involvement in patient care. To our knowledge, there is very limited literature evaluating the role of adolescent patients during FCRs. Our study aimed to assess adolescent involvement during FCRs. Methods: This is a pilot study of adolescent patients, 12-18 years, admitted to our pediatric hospital. Patients who did not/could not provide consent or assent were excluded. Patient involvement was assessed via a 12-item questionnaire on a 5-point Likert Scale (always, almost always, sometimes, rarely, and never). Responses were collected using REDCap. Data is presented as percentages and proportions. Results: There were 34 eligible adolescent patients of which 31 (91%) were included in the study; 50% male, 44% female, 6% non-binary/other; 50% aged 12-14yrs, and 50% 15-18yrs; 50% were admitted to PICU/IMC and 50% to general floor. Length of stay was median 2 (range 1-8) days. Of the 31 adolescents, 67% participated in FCRs almost always/always. Hospital staff started FCRs on 71% of adolescents without asking them if they wanted to participate; only 29% were asked. Seventy three percent of adolescent patients understood what was being discussed almost always/always; and 77% felt participating in FCRs was helpful to understand their care. Although 65% adolescents felt comfortable asking questions, 35% did not. Of the adolescents that did ask questions, 79% felt their questions were answered; 79% never felt FCRs made them nervous/scared. Of the 31 adolescents, 91% would recommend other adolescent patients to participate in FCRs. Conclusions: Given that FCRs are a mainstay of pediatric patient care, the participation of adolescent patients during FCRs should be encouraged. Although parents and caregivers often fear that participating in FCRs may cause fear and anxiety in adolescent patients, we did not find that in our study. Instead, it can help adolescents understand the care they are receiving, provides a forum to ask questions, and allows them to take an active role in their care.