Expanding Family Participation in Inpatient Rounds Through Remote Access: A Feasibility Study Using Automated Messaging

Praveen Meka, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA1B13 450 Brookline Ave, Boston MA 02215, US, Brigham and Womens Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston MA 02215, US; AND Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston MA 02115, US Follow
Susan Ayers, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA1B13 450 Brookline Ave, Boston MA 02215, US AND Brigham and Womens Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston MA 02215, USFollow
Jayme Wilder, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston MA 02115, US AND Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston MA 02115, USFollow

Abstract

Patient representatives (PR) often wish to be part of the care of their loved ones when hospitalized. However patients are frequently alone during morning bedside rounds. A feasibility study was conducted at a large New England Academic Center to evaluate whether short messaging service (SMS) notifications of morning round times with ability to conference-in could improve remote PR participation in inpatient rounds and assess its impact on communication, acceptability, and care experience. After IRB approval, 17 patients were recruited, resulting in 61 bedside encounters. PRs received daily SMS reminders with scheduled round times and joining instructions; care teams received daily email reminders with call-links. The outcomes measured were successful conference-in/in-person attendance of PRs and feedback from stakeholders. Of 61 encounters, 66%(40/61) PRs confirmed their intent to attend during appointment time; 93%(37/61) of those were successfully conferenced-in during the encounter. The average call duration of call-ins was 7.7 minutes. At end of study, 52%(9/17) of surveyed PRs gave superior rating for their experience. Thematic analyses of PR testimonials were overall positive. Based on the findings, the initiative was subsequently piloted on – Adult Oncology Ward, Pediatric Ward and Hospital Patient Family relations (PFR). By enabling PRs to attend inpatient bedside rounds remotely, hospitalists can improve the overall perception of care.

Recommended Citation

Meka P, Ayers S, Wilder J. Expanding Family Participation in Inpatient Rounds Through Remote Access: A Feasibility Study Using Automated Messaging. Patient Experience Journal. 2026; 13(1):88-95. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2085.