Participation of family members in ward rounds: Attitude of medical staff, patients and relatives

Objective: To assess the attitude of medical staff, patients and their relatives to the presence of FMs in WRs. Methods: This prospective study was performed in an Internal Medicine Department in Israel. WRs were conducted without (phase 1) and with (phase 2) the presence of FMs. Questionnaires were completed by staff members (N = 26, 23), patients (N = 26, 35) and FMs (N = 32, 40) during phases 1 and 2, respectively. Results: 82.6%, 96% and 96.7% of staff, patients and relatives, respectively, expressed a positive attitude towards the participation of FMs in WRs. Staff members became significantly more positive about the concept after having undergone the experience. Patients believed it contributed to a better understanding of their disease and FMs felt it provided them with an opportunity to participate in medical decision-making. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients would like their FMs to participate in WRs. Staff members were reluctant at first, but developed a more positive attitude towards the idea after the experience. Practice implications: Incorporating FMs into WRs is plausible, though adjustment of WRs' routine to the change will be needed. This move might increase patients' satisfaction from WRs.