The core concepts of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) are essential to building meaningful partnerships with patients and families in care and in planning, implementing, and evaluating policies and practices. Within the rapid pace of the coronavirus, administrative and clinical leaders have to make difficult decisions and policy changes without a clear understanding of how these changes will impact patient care. Restricting the presence of family members at the bedside is having a profound effect on their ability to provide comfort and participate in care and decision-making for their loved one. Nearly every clinical setting is affected by these changes.

“We need to document the adverse effects of COVID-19 restrictions on patient- and family-centered care so that hospitals and healthcare teams can make evidence-informed decisions. They need as much data as possible. Family and community partners are invaluable in finding creative solutions to reduce harm while maintaining safety,” says Dr. Linda Franck, UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi) Director of Postnatal Research

IPFCC teamed up with UCSF Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing and the University of Washington School of Nursing to develop a survey to gather information about changes to hospital and health system policies and practice due to COVID-19. The survey also explores how hospitals are engaging patient and family advisors in planning and implementing changes. Data (de-identified) from the survey will be reported on both IPFCC and PTBi websites so that results can be used by all to improve patient care as we continue our work to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on patients and families.

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