Introducing multidisciplinary ward rounds in Malawi: a best practice implementation project.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality improvement
• Evidence-based practice implementation
• Multidisciplinary team collaboration

Background:

• Multidisciplinary team (MDT) ward rounds are advocated by UK Royal Colleges for improved patient care and staff satisfaction.
• Structured MDT ward rounds aim to enhance safety, effectiveness, and overall patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement best practices for structured multidisciplinary team (MDT) ward rounds in a Malawian hospital.
• To assess the impact of evidence implementation on MDT ward round practices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool.
• Conducted baseline and follow-up audits against ten best practice criteria.
• Involved stakeholder meetings to review audit results and identify barriers.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement observed in nurse attendance at ward rounds, increasing from 33% to 100%.
• Demonstrated challenges in implementing all best practices simultaneously.
• Highlighted the utility of audits in driving practice change.

Conclusions:

• Evidence implementation projects face challenges but can be overcome with strategic approaches.
• Audits effectively promote best practices, leading to increased nurse involvement and improved MDT communication.
• Enhanced nurse inclusion in decision-making positively impacts patient care outcomes.