Objectives: To improve communication, discharge readiness, and satisfaction of burn patients and their families.
Methods: In March 2009, the burn intensive care unit at University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, incorporated family presence during dressing changes. Adverse family events during observation, measures of patient- and family-centered care according to a standardized patient satisfaction survey, infection rates, and staff members' response to the intervention were tracked.
Results: Through December 2011, no adverse family events occurred, patients' satisfaction scores increased, and infection rates did not increase. Staff members responded positively to the project.
Conclusions: Allowing family presence during dressing changes provides an opportunity to educate and include patients' family members in care delivery.