Abstract
Parents and professional caregivers, although united in their shared goal of returning a sick child to health, do not always view the caregiving situation from the same frame of reference. This article describes the perspectives of more than 50,000 parents whose child experienced a hospitalization. It outlines the greatest opportunities for improving the pediatric inpatient experience from the parent's perspective. In addition, practical tips and strategies for planning improvements in care from the patient/family perspective are offered.