Dr. Chantelle Bernadette Barnard

Understanding methods and creating tools that optimize family-centred communication and partnerships between families and healthcare providers

Patient and family-centred communication is critically important to improve outcomes for hospitalized children and family satisfaction with care. The Alberta Children's Hospital is committed to providing safe patient and family-centred care (PFCC). Improved communication and PFCC during day to day practices can enhance partnerships between healthcare providers (HCPs) and families, as well as positively affect efficiency, quality, and safety of patient care. Professional development (for HCPs) and tools (for HCPs and families) about family centred care and communication can be an effective way to enhance day to day practices and therapeutic relationships between patients and families. One of the foci of my research will be to understand HCP and family needs as well as study methods and tools to help HCPs and families communicate and partner in a more family centred way.