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Institute files Changing Hospital "Visiting" Policies and Practices: Supporting Family Presence and Participation, in response to Obama Administration Proposed Rule on Visitation Rights
Current "visiting" policies in many of our nation's hospitals, even for traditionally defined "families," are inappropriately restrictive, costly, put patients at risk, and contribute to emotional suffering for both the patient and family, even if administered without a trace of discrimination (Lee, et al., 2007; Spuhler, 2007). Not only is it vital to enact change as President Obama has outlined, including how families are defined, it is also imperative to transform the restrictive policies and practices of many of our nation's hospitals (Berwick & Kotagal, 2004).
Fundamental change is necessary to move away from the current prevailing view that families are visitors. To achieve this, the family must be "respected as part of the care team-never visitors-in every area of the hospital, including the emergency department and the intensive care unit" (Leape et al., 2009, p. 426).
As well as changing the language typically used in "visiting" polices, it is equally important to revise many of the rules and practices that limit the times and places families and other "partners in care" are able to provide support. For a number of years, The Joint Commission has recommended that patients bring a family member or trusted friend with them to the hospital as a safety strategy (McGreevey, 2006).
Recently, the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care formed a working group composed of health care leaders, staff, and patient/family advisors, all with expertise in patient- and family-centered care, to develop a set of guidelines with respect to changing hospital "visiting" policies and practices. Their recommendations are found in the accompanying document, in addition to specific comments regarding restrictions on visitation rights, and the format, style, and language used in policies and procedures.
Also included are Appendix A: Members of the Working Group for Changing Hospital "Visiting" Policies And Practices: Supporting Family Presence and Participation; Appendix B: Guidelines for the Presence and Participation of Families and Other Partners in Care — A Template; and a list of References. Read More...
The Institute is proud to announce that it is changing its name to Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care.
The Institute for Family-Centered Care was established in 1992 to advance the understanding and practice of family-centered care in all settings where individuals of all ages and their families receive care and support. The Institute was founded on the belief that patients of all ages are essential members of the care team.
Much of the Institute's early work focused on advancing family-centered care in pediatric, maternity, and newborn intensive care, where family members in addition to the patient play a crucial role on the care team. Over the last fifteen years, the Institute's work has expanded to include adult and geriatric care, in which patients are involved in their own care. In reality, patients often include their family members as part of the care process, making both patients and families indispensable to the collaborative partnerships that the Institute promotes.
The Institute facilitates patient- and family-centered change by promoting collaborative, empowering relationships among patients, families, and health care professionals. As a result, using either the term "family-centered" or "patient-centered" alone does not adequately describe the Institute. Both patients and family members are essential and valuable as advisors and partners in improving care practices and systems of care.
Over time, the Institute has changed its terminology, and now consistently uses the term patient- and family-centered care in its publications, resources, tools, and education and training efforts. So, it is fitting to have a name that is consistent with our mission.
The Institute has a new address for its website and e-mail to go along with the new name. You can reach the Institute at www.ipfcc.org or institute@ipfcc.org. So, change your address book and bookmarks, but be assured that during the transition, if you use either our new or our old addresses, you will still be able to reach the Institute.
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