(410) Improving Physician-Family Communication in the PICU Using a Centralized Communication Board

Introduction: Effective communication facilitates safe and complete decision-making between the medical team, patients, and families. Alternatively, poor communication can erect barriers in healthcare. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of in-room communication boards, with the goal of improving communication between physicians and families.

Methods: This is an ongoing prospective, single-center, IRB-approved, within-subject pilot study focused on improving communication between physicians and families in a tertiary mixed medical-surgical pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for patients admitted for at least three days. A standardized interprofessional rounding model was used throughout with the addition of the communication board after the third day. This wall mounted board, allowed families to write on two sections: “Goals” and “Comments.” During twice daily bedside rounds, the physicians specifically addressed any content on the board. A validated survey evaluating communication goals and care satisfaction was administered at enrollment and then at weekly intervals until the patients were transferred or discharged from the unit. The primary analysis of statements by the family was qualitative.

Results: Twenty-six patients have been enrolled in the study to date, with recruitment ongoing. The mean age was 5 years, with a mean LOS of 17 days. Survey results were analyzed by comparing top box Likert scale percentages from pre and post-intervention surveys. Questions asking about ease of information, honesty of information, and completeness of information showed increases of 24%, 29%, and 19%, respectively. Qualitative statements highlighted generalized family satisfaction with the boards. Respondents emphasized a feeling of inclusion, a greater understanding of the treatment process, and overall satisfaction with “thorough and proactive communication.”

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the presence of a dedicated communication board at the bedside has the potential to improve the quality and frequency of physician and family communication. This provides the family with the information and inclusion they desire, leading to better trust and shared decision-making.