Introducing virtual ward rounds in a level 2 unit to improve parental attendance: a qualitative study

Parental participation in ward rounds is a key performance indicator for neonatal care, tracked by the National Neonatal Audit Programme. Despite British Association of Perinatal Medicine guidelines promoting family integrated care, our unit has consistently underperformed in this area. Parental feedback highlighted local challenges, leading to the adoption of the NHS Attend Anywhere web-based platform to enable remote participation. Virtual ward rounds (VWR) use secure video technology to facilitate remote collaboration among neonatal care teams and to involve parents when in-person attendance is limited. This study assessed the feasibility of implementing VWRs in a level two neonatal unit, with a focus on improving access for families.

Dr Mahgul Ghouri
Resident Neonatal Doctor mahgul.ghoiuri@nhs.net

Dr Inayat Baz
Resident Neonatal Doctor inayat.baz@nhs.net

Corresponding author Dr Imdad Ali
Consultant Neonatologist imdad.ali1@nhs.net

Newham University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London

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Keywords

parental participation; virtual ward rounds; neonatal; family integrated care; FiCare

Key points

Virtual ward rounds use secure video technology.
FiCare is essential for parental wellbeing.
Virtual ward rounds enhance communication, specialist access and continuity of care.
NHS Attend Anywhere is a web-based platform designed to offer video consultations.

Also published in Infant:

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 3/JUNE 2025

Introducing multidisciplinary psychosocial and safeguarding meetings: Impact on two neonatal units

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