Improving multidisciplinary communication at ward board rounds using video enhanced reflective practice

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Education
• Clinical Communication

Background:

• Effective patient safety and resource utilization necessitate innovative approaches.
• Multidisciplinary team communication is crucial in acute care settings, particularly during daily board rounds.
• Video Enhanced Reflective Practice (VERP) offers a method for analyzing professional practice to improve communication and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VERP training on multidisciplinary communication during board rounds in an acute medicine and elderly care ward.
• To assess changes in team perceptions and practice following VERP intervention.
• To explore the feasibility and relevance of VERP for professional and team development.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of VERP training focused on analyzing video clips of professional practice during board rounds.
• Baseline and post-intervention assessments of team member perceptions regarding communication and efficiency.
• Supplementary evaluation using pre- and post-intervention focus group discussions and film analysis.

Main Results:

• Post-VERP training, board rounds were perceived as easier to participate in and more focused.
• Training led to improved efficiency in goal setting and enhanced patient care pathways, including discharge.
• Positive impacts on the communication culture of the multidisciplinary team were observed, benefiting the wider team.

Conclusions:

• Tailored VERP training is a relevant and feasible method for enhancing personal, professional, and team development in healthcare.
• VERP positively influences multidisciplinary team communication, leading to improved clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Further investigation and testing of VERP are warranted to solidify its benefits in clinical practice.