How to manage family-centered rounds

• Objective: To present a model for operationalizing successful family-centered rounds (FCRs). • Methods: Literature review and experience with leading FCR workshops at national meetings. • Results: FCRs are multidisciplinary rounds that involve patients and families in decision-making. The model has gained substantial momentum nationally and is widely practiced in US pediatric hospitals. Many quality improvement-related FCR benefits have been identified, including improved parental satisfaction, communication, team-based practice, incorporation of practice guidelines, prevention of medication errors, and improved trainee and staff education and satisfaction. Physical and time constraints, variability in attending FCR style and teaching style, lack of FCR structure and process, specific and sensitive patient conditions, and language barriers are key challenges to implementing FCRs. Operationalizing a successful FCR program requires key stakeholders developing and defining a FCR process and structure, including developing a strong faculty development program. • Conclusion: FCR benefits for a health care system are many. Key stakeholders involvement, developing FCR "ground rules," troubleshooting FCR barriers, and developing a strong faculty development program are key to managing successful FCRs.