Implementation and function of interdisciplinary rounds: An observational multisite hospital study from project...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Operations
• Patient Care Coordination

Background:

• Interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) are widely adopted in hospitals but lack standardized definitions, structures, or frameworks.
• This heterogeneity impacts the effectiveness and consistency of IDR implementation across healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the diverse characteristics and functions of interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) across various hospital settings.
• To assess how different IDR structures and processes influence communication and patient care outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted at 27 purposively selected hospitals representing diverse geographic regions, provider types, and patient populations.
• Site visits involved observing IDR implementation using a checklist to record structure, processes, content, and outcomes, with data reconciled by expert observers.

Main Results:

• Significant variation in IDR implementation was observed; only 51.9% included the "core" team (physician, nurse, pharmacist, case manager/social worker).
• Rounds primarily focused on medical care (74.1-92.6%), with patient responsibilities and preferences discussed less frequently (25.9-40.7%).
• Afternoon rounds and bedside observations were associated with increased discussion of discharge-related topics and patient needs.

Conclusions:

• Hospital interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) exhibit substantial heterogeneity, affecting their potential to optimize patient care and communication.
• Standardizing IDR structure and content, particularly focusing on patient preferences and discharge planning, could enhance their effectiveness.