Perceptions of interdisciplinary rounding practices

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Care Improvement
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Interdisciplinary rounding (IDR) is a common intervention to enhance collaboration and patient-centered care in hospitals.
• While IDR can improve practitioner satisfaction, its impact on patient outcomes is not consistently positive.
• Understanding facilitators and barriers to IDR from the perspective of healthcare practitioners is crucial for successful implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore practitioner perspectives on the facilitators, barriers, and outcomes of interdisciplinary rounding (IDR) practices.
• To identify factors influencing the success of IDR at both individual and organizational levels.
• To gather insights that can inform unit leadership and staff advocating for improved rounding practices.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-qualitative study design was employed.
• Four open-ended questions were distributed via email to 141 practitioners across fifteen units in two academic health centers where IDR was implemented.
• Directed content analysis was used to identify key themes in practitioner responses, adhering to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged from the practitioner responses: (a) setting the stage for rounding, (b) the collaborative work of the interdisciplinary team, and (c) perceived benefits to patient care.
• The data provided a nuanced view of the facilitators and barriers encountered during IDR.
• Practitioner feedback highlighted specific aspects that contribute to or hinder effective IDR.

Conclusions:

• The study offers valuable insights into the facilitators and barriers associated with interdisciplinary rounding in inpatient settings.
• Findings can assist unit leaders and staff in advocating for and implementing more collaborative and patient-centered rounding practices.
• Further research is recommended to explore the organizational role in fostering a healthy work environment and promoting patient-centered care through IDR.