Clinical nursing rounds part 3: patient comfort rounds

Clinical rounds are being introduced in the Dudley Group of Hospitals to improve patient care, involve patients and improve communication. There are four types of rounds, matrons' rounds, nurse management rounds, patient comfort rounds and teaching rounds. This article is the third in the series and describes patient comfort rounds (PCRs). PCRs are an important part of maintaining and monitoring the fundamental aspects of individual patient care. They should be carried out at 2-hour intervals whenever possible, commencing after lunchtime and continuing for the rest of the day. At night time, PCRs should be carried out before patients go to sleep and again in the early morning. It may be necessary to carry out more regular care to some patients. This approach should not be confused with the old system of "back rounds" which were often restricted to pressure area care. The purpose of PCRs is to maintain a regular review of the patient nursing needs, support the nursing process and evaluate nursing care.