Enhancing patient satisfaction and experience through bedside interdisciplinary rounds: a quality improvement study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Care Improvement
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Background:

• Interdisciplinary rounds (IDRs) are a collaborative approach to patient care involving diverse healthcare professionals.
• Bedside IDRs were introduced to enhance care quality, inter-team communication, and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of bedside interdisciplinary rounds on patient satisfaction and healthcare team communication.
• To assess improvements in patient understanding of treatment plans and feelings of respect.

Main Methods:

• Bedside IDRs were implemented with a multidisciplinary team (hospitalists, residents, nurses, nutritionists, case managers, social workers).
• Patient satisfaction was measured using Press Ganey (PG) scores over 7 months, comparing pre- and post-implementation data.
• Staff feedback on workflow and communication was collected via pre- and post-implementation surveys.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in patient satisfaction and physician-patient communication were observed, reflected in higher PG scores.
• Patients reported increased feelings of respect, better understanding of their conditions, and clearer treatment plans.
• Staff surveys indicated enhanced inter-departmental communication and more effective discharge planning.

Conclusions:

• Bedside IDRs foster a patient-centered approach, improving communication, respect, and understanding of care plans.
• Standardized scheduling addressed initial coordination challenges, leading to better provider communication and timely discharges.
• The study highlights the potential of bedside IDRs to enhance healthcare delivery and patient satisfaction in hospital settings.