Family-centred care in UK inpatient wards
Official title: Balancing Family and Ethics: An Exploration of Family Centred Care in UK Inpatient Wards
Run by Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust · NCT07740369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how family involvement in adult internal medicine wards is understood and experienced by patients, their families, and nurses at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 24, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07740369 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older who are patients, family members, or registered nurses on an internal medicine ward at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants not experiencing perceived value from family involvement or those uncomfortable with sharing experiences may not benefit directly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional, multi-perspective qualitative study conducted in one UK hospital. Researchers will conduct semi-structured interviews with 30 participants: 10 patients, 10 family members, and 10 nurses, to explore experiences of family-centred care and related ethical and cultural tensions. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework to identify common and divergent themes. The aim is to understand how patient autonomy, privacy, informed consent, and professional nursing duties interact with family involvement in care decisions. Findings may inform improvements in how family involvement is facilitated on inpatient wards.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide policies and training to enhance family involvement while safeguarding patient autonomy and privacy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous qualitative work has shown that family involvement influences communication and decision-making, though ethical tensions are variable across settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age: \- 18 years or older Role: Must fall into one of the following categories: * A patient admitted to an internal medicine ward * A family member of a patient admitted to an internal medicine ward * A registered nurse working on an internal medicine ward Capacity: \- Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Are under 18 years of age * Are unable to provide informed consent * Are unable to participate in study interviews (e.g., due to cognitive, linguistic, or medical limitations)
Where it's running
-
Milton Keynes University Hospital
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Louise E Mew, PhD, BSc Adult Nursing
- Email: Louise.Mew@mkuh.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01908995116
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.