[Standardized ward rounds in the intensive care unit]

Daily ward rounds are a central element of intensive care, but exhibit significant differences in procedure, duration, and team composition. Unstructured ward rounds carry risks of communication errors, incomplete decisions, and avoidable patient harm. Structured, interprofessional ward rounds are increasingly considered a quality indicator, as they improve communication, safety and outcome quality. The aim of this work is to present the evidence, benefits, and implementation strategies of structured, interprofessional ward rounds in internal medicine intensive care units and to evaluate their impact on quality of care and clinical outcomes. Based on current literature (guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, primary studies), the effectiveness of structured ward rounds as well as process and outcome indicators (mortality, length of stay, patient safety) are analyzed. Structured ward rounds with checklists, clear procedures, and interprofessional participation significantly reduce in-hospital and 30-day mortality (OR 0.84), reduce ventilation duration, infection rates (ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, central line-associated bloodstream infection), and length of stay in the intensive care unit. They improve communication, team dynamics, safety culture, and patient satisfaction. Studies show efficiency gains through less miscommunication and faster decision-making. The positive effects of structured ward rounds are based on improved process quality, collaborative decision-making, and transparent documentation. Successful implementation requires leadership, training, and site-specific adaptation. Challenges include hierarchies, resource constraints, and cultural acceptance. Structured ward rounds are an evidence-based instrument of clinical excellence that sustainably strengthens patient safety, outcomes, and teamwork.