Liz Shaughnessy1, Jo Jackson2. 1. Registered Teacher, ENB 100, ENB 998, Clinical Nurse Educator, Cardiothoracic Critical Care, Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Basildon Hospital, Basildon, Essex SS16 5NL, UK. 2. Dean of Health, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Francis (2013) described inconsistent ward rounds and failures to conduct ward rounds properly as contributing factors to the poor care seen at the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust. He suggested that the absence of a nurse at the bedside had clear consequences for communication, ward round efficiency and patient safety. He recommended that nurses should be actively involved in ward rounds and linked this to high quality patient care. AIM: To share an experience of introducing a ward round checklist, a bedside nurse verbal summary and the development of standard operating procedure for Ward Rounds in cardiothoracic critical care unit to improve patient safety and care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semi structured interviews of six registered nurses. A questionnaire to 69 registered nurses. An electronic questionnaire sent to 23 members of the MDT. An observational audit of seven ward rounds reviewing 69 patients. RESULTS: 97% of nurses agreed that verbal summarizing had improved clarity and 90% felt that it had improved patient care. 87% of the MDT respondents stated that they had noticed an improvement in the attendance of the bedside nurse at the ward round review. The ward round checklist reduced omissions. Communication with patients during ward rounds was an area which needed to be improved. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a new ward round approach and audit of its practice has enabled an improvement in the quality of patient care by: Giving more opportunity for the nurse to participate and feel part of the ward round. Reduction of omissions through the use of a ward round checklist. Improved clarity among the MDT by the use of bedside nurse verbal summarizing of the plan of care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses' full participation in ward rounds is essential to ensure effective communication and enhance patient safety.
BACKGROUND: Francis (2013) described inconsistent ward rounds and failures to conduct ward rounds properly as contributing factors to the poor care seen at the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust. He suggested that the absence of a nurse at the bedside had clear consequences for communication, ward round efficiency and patient safety. He recommended that nurses should be actively involved in ward rounds and linked this to high quality patient care. AIM: To share an experience of introducing a ward round checklist, a bedside nurse verbal summary and the development of standard operating procedure for Ward Rounds in cardiothoracic critical care unit to improve patient safety and care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semi structured interviews of six registered nurses. A questionnaire to 69 registered nurses. An electronic questionnaire sent to 23 members of the MDT. An observational audit of seven ward rounds reviewing 69 patients. RESULTS: 97% of nurses agreed that verbal summarizing had improved clarity and 90% felt that it had improved patient care. 87% of the MDT respondents stated that they had noticed an improvement in the attendance of the bedside nurse at the ward round review. The ward round checklist reduced omissions. Communication with patients during ward rounds was an area which needed to be improved. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a new ward round approach and audit of its practice has enabled an improvement in the quality of patient care by: Giving more opportunity for the nurse to participate and feel part of the ward round. Reduction of omissions through the use of a ward round checklist. Improved clarity among the MDT by the use of bedside nurse verbal summarizing of the plan of care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses' full participation in ward rounds is essential to ensure effective communication and enhance patient safety.
Authors: Erin Abu-Rish Blakeney; Frances Chu; Andrew A White; G Randy Smith; Kyla Woodward; Danielle C Lavallee; Rachel Marie E Salas; Genevieve Beaird; Mayumi A Willgerodt; Deborah Dang; John M Dent; Elizabeth Ibby Tanner; Nicole Summerside; Brenda K Zierler; Kevin D O'Brien; Bryan J Weiner Journal: J Interprof Care Date: 2021-10-10 Impact factor: 2.338
Authors: Ellie C Treloar; Ying Yang Ting; Joshua G Kovoor; Jesse D Ey; Jessica L Reid; Guy J Maddern Journal: World J Surg Date: 2022-07-03 Impact factor: 3.282