Impact of a Real-Time Virtual Rounding Queue on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Rounding Practices: Survey Study of...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Clinical Workflow Optimization
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Family-centered rounds are standard but challenging to coordinate due to unpredictable medical team arrival times.
• Q-rounds software was developed to address coordination barriers by providing real-time updates on rounding schedules.
• Previous studies indicated Q-rounds increased nurse and family presence in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess clinicians' perceptions of Q-rounds' impact on NICU rounding practices.
• To evaluate changes in rounding efficiency and clinician satisfaction post-Q-rounds implementation.
• To identify facilitators and barriers associated with Q-rounds implementation in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Q-rounds software was implemented in a NICU in May 2023.
• A survey study collected data from physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses before and after implementation.
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was performed to assess the impact on family-centered rounds.

Main Results:

• Clinician perceptions showed a significant increase in nurse presence (46% to 75%) and family presence (46% to 97%) post-implementation.
• Perceived efficiency of rounds increased (53% to 75%), and clinician satisfaction rose significantly (46% to 74%).
• No significant change in rounding duration was perceived, but qualitative analysis supported quantitative findings.

Conclusions:

• Novel virtual rounding queue software (Q-rounds) positively impacted NICU rounding.
• Q-rounds is associated with enhanced clinician perceptions of efficiency, increased participation, and greater satisfaction.
• The software effectively improves coordination and engagement in family-centered rounds within the NICU.