Medical Note Access for Hospitalized Children
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether providing parents access to their hospitalized child's medical notes on a bedside tablet can increase their involvement in care and help identify safety issues. Participants are divided into two groups: one will use the Bedside Notes tool, while the other will receive usual care without note access. The trial aims to determine if this approach improves care and safety by examining note access, parent-reported safety concerns, and overall experiences. Parents who speak English or Spanish and have children under 12 years old in the hospital may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for parents to actively enhance their child's hospital care experience.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that giving parents access to medical notes is safe?
Research has shown that allowing parents to view their child's medical notes on a tablet is generally safe. Studies have found that parents feel comfortable with this method and more involved in their child's care, with no major safety issues reported when using the Bedside Notes tool. In hospitals where this access is available, parents appreciate seeing updates in real-time without any reported problems. Overall, using a tablet to view medical notes poses no safety risks.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how giving parents access to their hospitalized child's medical notes via a tablet might impact care. Unlike the usual practice where parents often rely on doctors for updates, this approach could empower them with real-time information, potentially enhancing communication and understanding. This method could foster a more collaborative environment in the hospital, where parents feel more involved in their child's care. By examining these outcomes, researchers hope to find out if such access can improve the overall hospital experience for families.
What evidence suggests that access to medical notes is effective for improving care and safety for hospitalized children?
This trial will compare two approaches: providing parents access to their child's medical notes on a tablet and care as usual without such access. Studies have shown that when parents can view their child's medical notes, they become more involved in their child's care. This involvement helps them understand the treatment plan better and ask more informed questions. Research suggests that increased parental engagement may lead to earlier detection of safety issues. Early findings indicate that access to medical notes could enhance the overall hospital experience for families. However, further research is needed to confirm these benefits.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michelle Kelly, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for parents of children who are currently hospitalized. It aims to see if giving these parents access to their child's medical notes can increase involvement in care and help spot safety issues.Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Parents are provided with a tablet to access their child's medical notes during hospitalization
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Access to medical notes
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Collaborator
Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings (PRIS) Network
Collaborator