Standardization of rounds on a general paediatric ward: Implementation of a checklist to improve efficiency, quality of rounds, and family satisfaction.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized rounding tool for use on the general paediatric ward and to determine if its use can improve quality of rounds as well as patient and parent satisfaction.

Methodology: The study used a pre- and post-intervention prospective observational methodology. The intervention consisted of the implementation of a Checklist Rounding Tool (CRT) entitled the 'Paediatric Inpatient Rounding Checklist (PIRC)' which outlined items deemed essential to discuss during rounds for all patients admitted to the paediatric ward. The PIRC was created by the research team after reviewing the literature and it was peer reviewed by a panel of expert paediatricians. Performance on rounds based on discussion of checklist items as well as patient and parent satisfaction were evaluated by an external observer both pre- and post-PIRC implementation.

Results: Four of the five less frequently addressed checklist items were discussed significantly more post-intervention. The Rounds Quality Score was significantly improved after checklist implementation, the pre- and post-intervention scores being 8.24 and 9.61/10, respectively (P-value <0.001). Patient and parent satisfaction were rated higher with the use of the checklist. There was no difference in the duration of rounds between the pre- and post-implementation phases.

Conclusion: In summary, utilization of a standardized rounding tool on an inpatient paediatric ward led to improvement in quality of rounds as well as patient and parent satisfaction.