Study of Efficiency and Quality of Rounding in Internal Medicine Teams
Poster #: 007
Session/Time: B
Author:
Stephonda Lewis, BS
Mentor:
Rehan Qayyum, MD, MHS, SFHM, FAHA
Research Type: Quality Improvement
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Rounding is a fundamental process in hospital-based care and a core educational experience for internal medicine teams. However, there is no universal definition of what constitutes effective or efficient clinical rounds, and variability in rounding practices has been influenced by institutional culture, technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to characterize the practices, perceptions, and measurable elements that define effective and efficient rounds from the perspective of internal medicine attending physicians and trainees at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH).
METHODS:
Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the study will integrate both quantitative and qualitative data. Data will be collected through a 27-item questionnaire, observational time-motion analysis of inpatient rounding, and follow-up focus groups. Key components assessed include rounding time, location, materials used (e.g., laptops, Workstations on Wheels), content, and participant composition. The study's four main objectives are to define effective and efficient team rounding practices, classify current rounding types at SNGH, and examine associations between rounding perceptions and demographic characteristics such as training level. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression. Qualitative data will be coded using descriptive and InVivo coding techniques to identify emergent themes, culminating in a proposed definition of "effective and efficient" rounds. A convergent mixed-methods approach will integrate both data types to provide a comprehensive understanding of rounding practices. All data collection will maintain confidentiality, with no protected health information (PHI) recorded. Participation is voluntary, and focus group responses will be anonymous. Data will be securely stored within REDCap or locked facilities monitored by Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and Old Dominion University (ODU).
RESULTS:
As for preliminary results of the time-analysis, 67 rounds were observed with a total of 920 patients being seen. The average time per rounding session was 2h 37m with an average travel time of 19 minutes. The average presentation time was 4m 53sec. The average teaching time was 43 seconds. The average patient care time was 2m 1sec. The average multidisciplinary discussion time was 37 seconds, and the average administrative time was 16 seconds. The data is still being further analyzed.
CONCLUSION:
Findings from this study are expected to inform future educational strategies and protocols for clinical rounding and may serve as a foundation for standardizing rounding practices across internal medicine training environments.
Rounding is a fundamental process in hospital-based care and a core educational experience for internal medicine teams. However, there is no universal definition of what constitutes effective or efficient clinical rounds, and variability in rounding practices has been influenced by institutional culture, technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to characterize the practices, perceptions, and measurable elements that define effective and efficient rounds from the perspective of internal medicine attending physicians and trainees at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH).
METHODS:
Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the study will integrate both quantitative and qualitative data. Data will be collected through a 27-item questionnaire, observational time-motion analysis of inpatient rounding, and follow-up focus groups. Key components assessed include rounding time, location, materials used (e.g., laptops, Workstations on Wheels), content, and participant composition. The study's four main objectives are to define effective and efficient team rounding practices, classify current rounding types at SNGH, and examine associations between rounding perceptions and demographic characteristics such as training level. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression. Qualitative data will be coded using descriptive and InVivo coding techniques to identify emergent themes, culminating in a proposed definition of "effective and efficient" rounds. A convergent mixed-methods approach will integrate both data types to provide a comprehensive understanding of rounding practices. All data collection will maintain confidentiality, with no protected health information (PHI) recorded. Participation is voluntary, and focus group responses will be anonymous. Data will be securely stored within REDCap or locked facilities monitored by Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and Old Dominion University (ODU).
RESULTS:
As for preliminary results of the time-analysis, 67 rounds were observed with a total of 920 patients being seen. The average time per rounding session was 2h 37m with an average travel time of 19 minutes. The average presentation time was 4m 53sec. The average teaching time was 43 seconds. The average patient care time was 2m 1sec. The average multidisciplinary discussion time was 37 seconds, and the average administrative time was 16 seconds. The data is still being further analyzed.
CONCLUSION:
Findings from this study are expected to inform future educational strategies and protocols for clinical rounding and may serve as a foundation for standardizing rounding practices across internal medicine training environments.