[Reduced time-frame for ward rounds and patient satisfaction]

Area of Science:

• Medical workflow optimization
• Patient experience research
• Healthcare policy impact

Context:

• European legislation in 2006 mandated reduced physician work hours.
• This necessitated improvements in hospital workflow and reduced time for ward rounds.
• A prospective study assessed patient satisfaction amidst these changes.

Purpose:

• To evaluate patient satisfaction with hospital ward rounds after a reduction in their duration.
• To assess the impact of mandatory senior staff surgeon attendance on patient satisfaction.
• To investigate the role of clinical pathways in managing patient care during reduced ward round times.

Summary:

• Ward rounds were reduced by 33% (from 45 to 30 minutes) by January 2009.
• Senior staff surgeon attendance was made mandatory for all ward rounds.
• 86 patients reported high overall satisfaction (above 80%) despite shorter perceived and actual ward round durations.

Impact:

• High patient satisfaction is achievable even with reduced ward round times.
• Consistent senior staff surgeon presence is a key factor in maintaining patient satisfaction.
• Effective process management, including clinical pathways, supports efficient patient care.