First time rounding experiences for nonclinicians: the Cleveland Clinic experience

Clinical rounds serve several key objectives in academic medical centers: providing a forum for patient communication, clinical decision making, and teaching. Nonclinical colleagues ordinarily do not have the opportunity to round, and the idea of implementing a rounding program that includes nonclinical colleagues has received little attention to date. Reasoning that a rounding program with nonclinicians could enhance (1) understanding of the organization's clinical mission, (2) appreciation of caregivers' roles, and (3) engagement, the authors created such a program. From 2010 to 2013, 51 nonclinicians within the Cleveland Clinic Education Institute participated; 14 submitted written reflections, and 27 responded to a survey about their experience. Overall, 12 themes emerged that suggest an enhanced familiarity with the institution and increased engagement and alignment with its mission. Notably, the results align with a long-standing focus on organizational engagement and an observed increase in mean engagement scores since the program was implemented.