Family-Centered Rounds and Communication About Discharge Between Families and Inpatient Medical Teams

Abstract

Family-centered rounds (FCRs) are believed to enhance family-medical team communication. To assess family knowledge of discharge plans on teams conducting FCRs. Families of inpatients within 24 hours of discharge were surveyed regarding discharge plans; answers were compared with medical documentation. Of 118 families, 70% knew discharge goals, whereas only 41% knew discharge day and 63% knew discharge medications. English speakers were more likely to report knowing discharge goals (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-12.2) and discharge medications (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.1-9.8) compared with Spanish speakers. Non-Hispanics were more likely to report knowing discharge day compared with Hispanics (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.6). Families on teams that conduct FCRs are knowledgeable of discharge goals but less knowledgeable of discharge day and medications. Spanish-speaking and Hispanic families are less likely to report knowing discharge plans compared with English-speaking and non-Hispanic counterparts.