Family Care Conference
When to call one and what to expect
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Learn what a family care conference is and how to call one if you need to talk with all members of your care team.
Families are essential members of the healthcare team. Communication between you and the other care team members is very important.
Because it is difficult to match schedules and talk in the hospital environment, we may need to schedule a specific time to meet with all members of the team in one place. This is called a family care conference and includes the patient (if appropriate), family and the rest of the care team.
When do we need a family care conference?
We may need to have a care conference if:
- The patient’s stay is more than 7 days
- Your family requests it
- A provider requests it
- Your family has complex needs that may impact the care of the patient
- There is a major change in the diagnosis or care plan
- The team needs to come together to create the discharge plan
- There are complex discharge plans to arrange
- You have serious concerns about the patient’s care you feel we have not talked about
- The patient is admitted to the hospital again soon after they went home
How do I request a care conference?
Ask anyone on your healthcare team, and the coordinator will talk with the attending physician to schedule the conference. We will schedule the conference when it is convenient for most of the people who need to attend.
The healthcare team will often consider if a conference would be helpful, but you can ask for a conference any time you feel everyone should meet to talk about the patient’s care.
Who attends?
The patient, if appropriate, family and others you invite will attend. Physicians, nurses, your social worker, your RN case manager and staff involved in the care will also attend. You also are welcome to invite your clergyperson or faith leader. Conference call and video options are available.
What are the goals of the care conference?
The goals are to:
- Answer your questions
- Address concerns
- Make sure everyone has the same information to make decisions
- Identify the decisions we need to make
- Create a plan
What can I expect during the care conference?
- We will introduce everyone on the team. The facilitator will lead the
conference and review and clarify the goals. - The physician will explain the medical situation, reviewing what has
happened and what we expect. Other team members also will provide
information. - We will describe possible treatments, including what we can expect to
happen and possible risks. If there are decisions that need to be made,
we will list these. - The facilitator makes sure questions are answered or that we have a plan
to get more information if we cannot answer a question. - You will have the chance to talk about what to expect and how to plan
for the future. - Everyone will have a chance to speak.
- If a patient is not able to speak for him or herself, we talk about the
choices the patient would want. - We will take notes at the meeting that will become part of the medical
record. We will provide you a copy of these notes at your request.
To Learn More
- Case Management
206-987-0355 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
