5: Uninterrupted access to
attend medical rounds

while their infant is admitted to the NICU. Virtual care
services may be preferred, based on the local context
or if parent need/parent preference warrants it.

Because parents spend extensive time at the bedside, they can provide unique insights and observations

Chapter 5 Key Points

Awareness

  • Parents bring unique insight to decision-making
  • Inclusion strengthens trust and communication
  • Exclusion creates confusion and disengagement

Assessment

  • Are parents invited to attend daily rounds?
  • Is language used understandable and inclusive?
  • Do staff view parents as part of the care team?

Action

  • Establish family-inclusive rounding policies
  • Educate teams on family-centered communication
  • Encourage questions and shared decision-making

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Authors

Morgan Kowalski, BA

Henry C. Lee, MD

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© 2026 Family-Centered Care Taskforce. Family-Centered Care Taskforce. All rights reserved. This toolkit may be reproduced and distributed freely for educational and non-commercial purposes with attribution. Any use of this content must acknowledge the Family-Centered Care Taskforce as the source. No portion of this toolkit may be altered or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Custom illustrations created for this project are for FCC Taskforce toolkit use only and may not be altered or reused separately.

DISCLAIMER
Readers are advised to adapt the guidelines and resources based on their local facility’s level of care and patient populations served and are also advised not to rely solely on the guidelines presented here.