title: Parental presence on neonatal intensive care unit clinical bedside rounds: randomised trial and focus group discussion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are limited data to inform the choice between parental presence at clinical bedside rounds (PPCBR) and non-PPCBR in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a single-centre, survey-based, crossed-over randomised trial involving parents of all infants who were admitted to NICU and anticipated to stay >11 days. Parents were randomly assigned using a computer-generated stratified block randomisation protocol to start with PPCBR or non-PPCBR and then crossed over to the other arm after a wash-out period. At the conclusion of each arm, parents completed the 'NICU Parental Stressor Scale' (a validated tool) and a satisfaction survey. After completion of the trial, we surveyed all healthcare providers who participated at least in one PPCBR rounding episode. We also offered all participating parents and healthcare providers the opportunity to partake in a focus group discussion regarding PPCBR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 72 parents were enrolled in this study, with 63 parents (87%) partially or fully completing the trial. Of the parents who completed the trial, 95% agreed that parents should be allowed to attend clinical bedside rounds. A total of 39 healthcare providers' surveys were returned and 35 (90%) agreed that parents should be allowed to attend rounds. Nine healthcare providers and 8 parents participated in an interview or focus group, augmenting our understanding of the ways in which PPCBR was beneficial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parents and healthcare providers strongly support PPCBR. NICUs should develop policies allowing PPCBR while mitigating the downsides and concerns of parents and healthcare providers such as decreased education opportunity and confidentiality concerns.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register number, ACTRN12612000506897.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia School of Clinical Medicine, Australian National University, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Mohamed E
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4306-2933
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Abdel-Latif
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Danette
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Boswell
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Broom
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: ACT Health Directorate, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003219:Confidentiality; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013315:Stress, Psychological