Family member experiences with adult ICU multidisciplinary rounds: Transition from observers to participants

Background & Purpose: Family members’ participation in multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) is an accepted practice in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) with evidence this practice is occurring in adult ICUs. The purpose of this study was to explore family members’ experiences with participating in MDR in one Canadian adult ICU. Methods: Using qualitative interpretive description, family members of critically ill patients were interviewed about their MDR experiences. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Impressions from interviews were logged in field notes. Transcripts were coded, with data explored for patterns, similarities and differences, and relationships across interviews. Results: Seven family members agreed to participate. Three themes were identified: (i) finding your footing – learning how to participate in MDR; (ii) part of the team – feeling included and part of the team in MDR; and (iii) in the know – the benefits of sharing information in MDR. Participants spoke about their eagerness to participate, a need for support to understand how to participate, benefits of participation, and what they learned from and contributed to MDR. Conclusion: Families valued the opportunity to participate in MDR. Participation may be enhanced with team education, formal orientation for families to ICU and MDR, and the use of checklists and daily goals sheets in MDR. Keywords: multidisciplinary rounds, family, participation