An observational study of attending rounds.

The authors conducted an observational study of attending rounds to determine the current status of this form of clinical teaching in a university-based internal medicine department. Using two forms of measurement, questionnaires and timed observations, we found that 63% of attending physician time was spent in the conference room, 26% in hallways, and only 11% at the bedside. Significant differences were found between estimated and actual times, particularly in discussing previously admitted patients, patient interactions, data reviews, topic presentations, and the category of "other" activities. These results provide a framework for appraising attending rounds and identifying areas that may be improved with a teaching workshop intervention.