ABSTRACT
Hospitalised patients’ needs are complex and the ward environment is demanding of time and resources that must be optimised. Clinical ward rounds in hospitalised patients are fundamental to patient care. Ward rounds in recent years have undergone changes which have contributed to reduced professionalism and opportunities to learn as well as increased distrust of patients of the care they receive. Calls for a revival of the traditional ward rounds have been sounded which we must contextualise in modern settings. This commentary calls for a clearer defi nition of the purpose of ward rounds, outlines the roles and responsibilities of those involved in rounds, defi nes a 4-step process in the conduct of a ward round, and seeks support from hospitals’ management in the facilitation and implementation of these.
Doctors must provide safe and quality care in a respectful and empathetic manner weaved within a holistic perspective. The patients’ needs are complex and the ward environment is demanding of time and resources that must be optimised.
Clinical ward rounds in hospitalised patients are fundamental to patient care as they provide a dynamic vehicle to optimise the coordinated care that includes discharge
planning by a multidisciplinary team.
This article is available only as a PDF. Please click on “Download PDF” on top to view the full article.
