Staff engagement during complex pediatric medical care: the role of patient, family, and treatment variables.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of patient, family, and treatment variables on self-reported engagement for physicians and nurses working with pediatric complex care patients.

METHODS

Sixty-eight physicians and 85 registered nurses at a children's hospital reviewed eight case scenarios that varied by the patient and patient's family (each cooperative versus difficult) and the length of hospitalization (<30 days versus >30 days). Participants rated their engagement from highly engaged/responsive to distancing/disconnected behaviors.

RESULTS

Nurses were more likely than physicians to engage in situations with a difficult patient/cooperative family but less likely to engage in situations with a cooperative patient/difficult family.Nurses were more likely to consult a colleague regarding the care of a difficult patient/difficult family,while physicians were more likely to refer a difficult patient/difficult family to a psychosocial professional.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences were found for engagement with "difficult" patients/families, with physicians more likely to distance themselves or refer to a psychosocial professional, while nurses were more likely to consult with a colleague.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Communication between health care team members is essential for optimal family-centered health care. Thus, interventions are needed that focus on communication and support for healthcare teams working with pediatric complex care patients and their families.