Parent engagement during rounds

Every day while your child is in the hospital, the health care team comes together to talk about your child's health. This is called rounds. Families are encouraged to attend and take part.

Who participates in rounds

• You and your child
• The attending doctor - this is the doctor in charge of your child's care
• Doctors in training - this includes fellows, residents and interns
• Medical students
• Nurse practitioners and other nurses
• Physician assistants
• Others who are involved in your child's care - this may include therapists, dietitians, social workers and inpatient case managers

What is discussed during rounds

• Medical issues that brought your child to the hospital
• Health history and exam findings
• Your child's medical progress
• Test results
• Daily plan of care
• Goals that must be met before your child goes home

The parent's role during rounds

You know your child best, so information you give us is very important. You can be as involved as you would like to be. We encourage you to:

• Write down comments and questions before rounds begin so you don't forget
• Tell us about important issues and new information
• Answer questions we have about your child's health
• Ask questions

When you can't attend rounds

If you can't be there, we will still meet to discuss your child. A team member will tell you about the daily plan when you visit or call you.

Location of rounds

Rounds are held in your child's room or in the hallway by your child's room. This depends on what you prefer.

Round timeline

Rounds are held every day. We will tell you what time rounds start. Most often they are in the morning between 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., but the time can vary.

Doctors on rounds

Children's Wisconsin is a teaching hospital. The attending doctor also teaches students who are learning to become doctors and doctors who are getting more training. The attending doctor often uses rounds to teach you and the team about your child's medical condition.

The importance of rounds

Decisions about your child's care are made within input from all team members, including you.

• You and all other team members learn about the care plan at the same time.
• Rounds give you and your child a chance to ask questions.

Learn about rounding at our Fox Valley hospital >>>