Structured patient centered interdisciplinary rounds occur once and often twice daily in a critical care area. During these scheduled discussions, members of the care team review clinical information and develop plans of care for the critically ill patients. The foundation for the discussion is the head to toe assessment summary presented by the ICU nurse. Using a systems approach, the ICU nurse will present any subtle or major changes that have occurred in the patients’ physical and emotional condition.
Respiratory therapists provide insight and recommendations on ventilation and oxygenation and dieticians participate in these rounds to ensure that metabolic needs are being met. Pharmacist involvement in the discussion has been noted to reduce medication errors and improve medication safety by identifying drug-drug interactions and assuring appropriate discontinuation of medications.
Participation of families at bedside rounds has been promoted at multiple agencies and is a topic that has generated a great deal of controversy. Evidence shows that family participation on rounds represents an opportunity to improve collaboration and for families to engage in shared decision making with the patient and the care team.