PFC I-PASS Intervention for Enhanced Healthcare Communication
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
In 2014, a team of parents, nurses, and physicians created Patient and Family Centered I-PASS (PFC I-PASS), a bundle of communication interventions to improve the quality of information exchange between physicians, nurses, and families, and to better integrate families into all aspects of daily decision making in hospitals. PFC I-PASS changed how doctors and nurses talk to patients and families on rounds when they're admitted to the hospital. (Rounds are when a team of doctors visit patients every morning to do a checkup and make a plan for the day.) Rounds used to happen in a way that left out patients and families. Doctors talked at, not with patients, used big words and medical talk, and left nurses out. PFC I-PASS changed rounds by including families and nurses, using simple non-medical words, and talking in an organized way so nothing is left out. When PFC I-PASS was put in place in 7 hospitals, patients had fewer adverse events and better hospital experience. But it didn't focus on how to talk with patients with language barriers. This project builds upon upon PFC I-PASS to make it better and focus on the special needs of patients who speak languages other than English. This new intervention is known as PFC I-PASS+. PFC I-PASS+ includes all parts of PFC I-PASS plus having interpreters on and after rounds and training doctors about communication and cultural humility. The study team will now conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of PFC I-PASS+ and PFC I-PASS to usual care at 8 hospitals.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the PFC I-PASS treatment?
Research shows that Patient and Family Centered Care (PFCC) interventions, like PFC I-PASS, improve communication between families and healthcare providers, which can enhance patient care. For example, a study found that improving communication in the ICU led to better family meetings and reduced unnecessary treatments.12345
How is the PFC I-PASS Intervention treatment different from other treatments for improving healthcare communication?
The PFC I-PASS Intervention is unique because it focuses on enhancing communication between healthcare providers and families by incorporating family-centered care principles, which emphasize the involvement and empowerment of patients and their families in the healthcare process. This approach is distinct from traditional treatments as it actively includes families in medical rounds and decision-making, aiming to improve patient satisfaction and safety.25678
Research Team
Alisa Khan, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for hospital leaders, patients aged 13+, nurses, parents/caregivers who speak one of the study languages, and medical staff at participating pediatric units. It aims to improve communication during rounds with families, especially those facing language barriers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention Implementation
Implementation of PFC I-PASS+ and PFC I-PASS interventions, including training and communication strategies
Data Collection
Data collection on adverse events, patient/family experience, and communication quality
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after intervention implementation
Treatment Details
Interventions
- PFC I-PASS Intervention
- PFC I-PASS+ Intervention
PFC I-PASS Intervention is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Improving communication in hospital settings
- Reducing adverse events
- Enhancing patient and family experience
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston Children's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Collaborator
Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings
Collaborator