Preferences to improve rounding efficiency amongst hospitalists: a survey analysis

Abstract

Background: There is no 'gold standard' method of rounding for hospitalists. This study investigates hospitalist rounding preferences to improve efficiency based on resources categorized under work assignment and communication. Methods: An anonymous survey containing demographics and questions on preferences for rounding efficiently by hospitalists were widely distributed online. Res6ponses were presented using descriptive statistics and SPSS v26. Results: There were 143 respondents, majority male (60%) with (40%) female. Most (80%) expect higher patient volumes when working with an advanced practitioner (AP). Half (50%) preferred rounding independently, (34%) with an AP, and majority (62%) with a resident. Geographic rounding was most efficient at 85%. Text messaging for paging was preferred (70.1%) to pagers (23.4%). Respondents preferred calling a consultant (52%) or text messaging (40%). Majority have not used a WOW yet (74%) believe WOWs could improve efficiency. Majority prefer dictation via Dragon (47%) to the phone application (23%). Only 29% believe their EMR is too complex to navigate. Preference difference due to age was insignificant. Discussion and Conclusion: In this study, 143 hospitalists provided preferences for improving rounding efficiency based on elements from work assignment and communication. This analysis can provide insights on designing best practices for hospitalists rounding efficiently.

Use of pager devices in New Zealand public hospitals as a critical communication tool: Barriers & way forward

“…These pages often lack standardization, content, format, urgency level, and clarity within the message. Some studies reported that the medical staff were found to prefer in-person interactions with consults instead of over-the-phone consults or pagers due to a higher level of productive communication, reducing turnaround time by up to 50% [ [29] , [30] , [31] ].…”

“…Clinicians also prefer to communicate with the consultant via text or phone more often than face-to-face talk. Unfortunately, while clinicians have technology and resources available, they do not always use them or are not suitable or customised to their use [ 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…Since 80% of pages come from nurses, it is imperative that nurses and other staff responsible for sending pages be properly trained to use standardized templates. In analysing the process design concepts of one-way communications, general preferences may be established, standardized physician responding preferences to improve efficiency based on the two categories of work assignment and communication [ [29] , [30] , [31] , 33 , 34 ].…”