Interventions to Improve Patient Care on Surgical Ward Rounds: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Surgical Care
• Quality Improvement
• Systematic Review

Background:

• Surgical ward rounds are critical for patient care.
• Interventions to enhance ward round quality require evaluation.
• This systematic review assesses the efficacy of various interventions for surgical ward rounds.

Approach:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo) up to October 2022.
• Included studies focused on quality improvement strategies for surgical ward rounds with measurable outcomes.
• Data were synthesized using narrative analysis based on common themes.

Key Points:

• 28 studies were included, predominantly cohort studies.
• Checklists/proformas were the most common intervention (22 studies), showing significant improvements in documentation, staff understanding, and patient satisfaction.
• Other interventions (technological, personnel, well-being) improved communication, patient safety, and reduced patient stress.

Conclusions:

• Interventions like checklists, technology, personnel adjustments, and well-being strategies enhance ward round documentation, communication, and satisfaction.
• Future research should focus on implementation ease, long-term durability, and impact on clinical outcomes like morbidity and mortality.