Interdisciplinary rounds: impact on patients, families, and staff

Interdisciplinary rounds are a new care coordination strategy in several healthcare settings. This article describes the process used by clinical nurse specialists in one institution to broaden existing discharge planning rounds to interdisciplinary rounds. In addition, a survey queried advanced practice nurse subscribers to two listserves, the ANPACC and CNS-L, to determine how other institutions conducted interdisciplinary rounds, including structure, membership, and leadership. As a result of the changed focus in rounds, the target institution noted greater participation by all disciplines in achieving patient and family outcomes, increased early recognition of patients at risk, and improved communication among members of the healthcare team. These findings were supported by participants in the Internet survey. It was determined that interdisciplinary rounds are a valuable mechanism for improved patient outcomes and increased staff professionalism.