Pilot evaluation of the family bridge program, a communication- and culture-focused inpatient patient navigation program

Objective: Children with low income and minority race and ethnicity have worse hospital outcomes, due partly to systemic and interpersonal racism causing communication and system barriers. We tested the feasibility and acceptability of a novel inpatient communication-focused navigation program. Methods: Multilingual design workshops with parents, providers and staff created the Family Bridge Program. Delivered by a trained navigator, it included: (1) hospital orientation; (2) social needs screening and response; (3) communication preference assessment; (4) communication coaching; (5) emotional support; and (6) a post-discharge phone call. We enrolled families of hospitalized children with public or no insurance, minority race or ethnicity, and preferred language of English, Spanish, or Somali in a single-arm trial. We surveyed parents at enrollment and 2-4 weeks post-discharge, And providers 2-3 days post-discharge. Survey measures were analyzed with paired t-tests. Results: Of 60 families enrolled, 57 (95%) completed the follow-up survey. Most parents were born outside the United States (60%) with a high school degree or less (60%). Sixty-three percent preferred English, 33% Spanish, and 3% Somali. The program was feasible: families received an average of 5.3 of 6 components; all received >2. Most caregivers (92%) and providers (81% [30/37]) were "very satisfied." Parent-reported system navigation improved from enrollment to follow-up (+8.2 [95% confidence interval 2.9, 13.6], p=.003; scale 0-100). Spanish-speaking parents reported decreased skills-related barriers (-18.4 [95% confidence interval -1.8, -34.9], p=.03; scale 0-100). Conclusions: The Family Bridge Program was feasible, acceptable, and may have potential for overcoming barriers for hospitalized children at risk for disparities. What's New: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a novel inpatient patient navigation program, designed collaboratively with parents. The Family Bridge Program supported families during and immediately after their child's hospital stay, with the goal to promote equitable outcomes.