The perceptions and performance of family-centered care among pediatric nurses at a children's hospital in South Korea: a descriptive study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine pediatric hospital nurses' perceptions and performance of family-centered care. METHODS: A descriptive study design was used. This study surveyed 162 nurses who worked at a single tertiary children's hospital in South Korea. The modified Family-Centered Care Scale was used to assess nurses' perceptions and performance of family-centered care. Barriers to the implementation of family-centered care were described in an open-ended format. RESULTS: Pediatric hospital nurses had a higher score for perceptions (mean score=4.07) than for performance (mean score=3.77). The collaboration subscale had the lowest scores for both perceptions and performance. The perceptions of family-centered care differed significantly according to the nurses' clinical career in the pediatric unit and familiarity with family-centered care, while performance differed according to clinical career only. Perceptions and performance were positively correlated (r=.594, p<.001). Barriers to implementation included a shortage of nursing personnel, a lack of time, and the absence of a family-centered care system. CONCLUSION: To improve the performance of family-centered care, nurses' perceptions of family-centered care should be improved by offering education programs and active support, including sufficient staffing, and establishing systems within hospitals.