Structured interdisciplinary rounds and communication on a geographic medical unit: A pilot study

Introduction: Effective, concise, and consistent communication is essential for safe, quality patient care. However, traditional models of physician rounding can result in gaps and delays in communication between team members involved in the patient's care. Structured Interdisciplinary Rounds (SIDR) aims to increase communication among team members by assembling the team together to discuss each patient and his or her plan of care. SIDR utilizes a checklist tool to keep the communication focused and concise.;Methods: The study design was an observational descriptive study utilizing a convenience sample of participants in SIDR rounds. A 2-part survey was distributed to SIDR participants. Part 1 contained questions on perceived communication between the healthcare team on the unit prior to implementation of SIDR. Part 2 asked about perceived communication after SIDR implementation. SIDR meetings were observed to describe the SIDR process, use of a SIDR communication tool and the observed communication that occurs between healthcare team members.;Results: Results indicated a significant change in perceived communication flow on the paired survey items before and after the implementation of SIDR for all survey participants who completed party 1 and part 2 (n=22, p=0.016). Observations revealed variable process and minimal use of SIDR communication tool.;Discussion: Implementing SIDR improved perceived communication among healthcare team members participating in rounds. Improving the SIDR process and ensuring use of the SIDR tool may further improve communication. These improvements could translate into improved quality of patient care, decreased length of stay, and enhanced team cohesiveness.