Improving communication between medical teams and caregivers of hospitalized children

Development and Pilot Testing of an Equity-focused and Trauma-informed Communication Intervention During Family-centered Rounds

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT05618652

This study is testing a new way to improve communication between doctors and caregivers of Black and Latino(a/x) children in hospitals to see if it helps build trust and satisfaction.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05618652 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on developing and pilot testing a communication intervention aimed at enhancing the interaction between medical teams and caregivers of Black and Latino(a/x) children in hospitals. By incorporating trauma-informed care and principles of racial equity, the intervention seeks to improve communication quality, caregiver trust, and satisfaction. The study will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this intervention through a randomized waitlist control trial, specifically targeting caregivers of hospitalized children on the general pediatrics team. The goal is to address disparities in health outcomes linked to poor clinician communication.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are primary caregivers of hospitalized Black or Latino(a/x) children who are proficient in English or Spanish.

Not a fit: Patients who may not receive benefit from this study include those undergoing evaluation for child abuse or neglect, as well as caregivers of children not on the general pediatrics team.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved communication and trust between caregivers and medical teams, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for children.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of integrating trauma-informed care and equity principles into clinician communication is innovative, similar studies have shown that improving communication can positively impact patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility criteria for caregivers:

* Adults (18 years of age or older)
* Proficient in English or Spanish
* Capable of providing informed consent
* Identified as a primary caregiver (parent or guardian) of a hospitalized Black or Latino(a/x) child on the general pediatrics team.
* We will exclude caregivers of children undergoing evaluation for child abuse/neglect or other cases in which the medical team believes family-centered rounds are not appropriate.

Eligibility criteria for clinicians:

* pediatric attending physicians who provide hospital care to children at Duke Children's Hospital.
* Capable of providing informed consent
* We will exclude clinicians who do not provide hospital care to children on the general pediatrics team.

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hospitalism in ChildrenPost Traumatic Stress Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.