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

ObjectiveTo examine the role of patient, family, and treatment variables on self-reported engagement for physicians and nurses working with pediatric complex care patients.MethodsSixty-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.ResultsNurses 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.ConclusionsDifferences 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 implicationsCommunication between health care team members is essential for optimal family-centered health care. Thus, interventions are needed that focus on communication and support for health care teams working with pediatric complex care patients and their families.