The communication gap in the ICU--a possible solution.

Presentations by nurses on ward rounds was introduced to improve multidisciplinary collaboration in the development of quality patient care. A second objective was to reduce nurses' passivity on the medical ward round and encourage them to play a more active role. Two questionnaires ascertained nurses' views, the first on implementation of presentations, and again after 6 months' active participation. Nurses were originally apprehensive about their new role, but then became aware of the positive aspects that the change brought to their working environment. The implications for medical staff were also considered.