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Enhancing Patient Care Through Bedside Interdisciplinary Rounds

A recent investigation spearheaded by scholars at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has unveiled that incorporating the entire healthcare team in bedside interdisciplinary rounds (BIDR) results in significantly improved care experiences for both patients and providers.

This study, released in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, showcases the benefits of BIDR, wherein healthcare teams convene at a patient’s bedside to discuss and refine care strategies. This approach not only fosters a collaborative environment among healthcare professionals but also promotes trust between patients and providers by enabling direct observation and interaction.

According to Dr. Katarzyna Mastalerz, the study’s lead author and an associate professor of hospital medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, “Traditional interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) bring together various clinical team members to coordinate patient care, enhancing collaboration in healthcare settings. BIDR elevates this model by involving patients and their families right at the bedside, which redefines traditional healthcare practices by nurturing trust through open communication, teamwork, and a focus on patient-centered care.”

The research included interviews with 14 patients and 18 members of interdisciplinary teams consisting of nurses, pharmacists, and care coordinators. Findings revealed that patients appreciated their active participation in care planning, which bolstered their trust in healthcare providers. Simultaneously, healthcare professionals noted an increase in respect and trust among team members, leading to enhanced patient care outcomes.

Despite these promising results, participants acknowledged areas for improvement to refine the BIDR process. Some patients expressed discomfort with the use of complex medical jargon and the lack of clear explanations regarding their treatment plans. Providers also highlighted obstacles, including insufficient organizational support for interprofessional collaboration and the challenge posed by elongated presentations from physicians.

To optimize BIDR effectiveness, Dr. Mastalerz suggests that healthcare teams prioritize transparency by articulating shared goals with patients, utilizing clear and accessible language, defining team roles explicitly, and encouraging real-time feedback from team members. She emphasized the critical role of hospital leadership in dismantling professional silos and creating a conducive environment for collaborative interprofessional teamwork.

Conclusion

The findings from this study present a compelling case for the implementation of bedside interdisciplinary rounds as a means to not only improve patient experiences but also elevate the standards of collaborative care in hospital environments. As healthcare continues to evolve, fostering environments where patients and providers can engage meaningfully will be essential for advancing care quality.

Source
www.sciencedaily.com