Practices of Bedside Nursing Rounds by the Nursing Personnel in Selected General and Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction

Nursing rounds have a positive impact on patient satisfaction. This method increases patient–nurse interaction and improves the quality of nursing care and patient satisfaction. An incomplete and poor bedside round can be dangerous for patients’ safety. There are variations in practices related to this nursing activity. The aim of this study was to assess the practices and the gaps regarding bedside nursing rounds in general wards and intensive care units (ICUs).

Methodology

A comparative research design was utilised in the present study. The study was conducted in four general wards (male and female medical and surgical wards) and four ICUs (main ICU, liver ICU, respiratory ICU and gastro ICU). All the nurses of each area were observed while performing the activities under study using the valid and reliable checklists for each (1) activity. The content validity of each checklist was ensured by calculating the content validity index, and their reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.82). Participatory observations were carried out while the nurses were performing their duties in the morning, evening and night shifts. A total of 120 observations (60 each) were conducted in general wards and ICUs.

Results

Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that 70% of the nurses in general wards greeted the patients during rounds, while in ICUs, 21.6% greeted patients during bedside rounds. In general wards, 86.6% identified the patient’s by calling names, whereas in ICUs, 33.3% of the nurses did the same. It was also noted that in general wards, 65% communicated clearly regarding the treatment and condition with the patients; however, in ICUs, 28.3% of the nurses communicated clearly. On the other hand, all the nurses in ICUs checked the working of bedside equipment, whereas 53.3% of nurses checked it in general wards. A significant difference was observed in practices related to greeting the patient and communication while taking bedside nursing rounds (P < .05) respectively.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that practices in ICUs and general wards vary; the quality of nursing practices needs to be improved in both general wards and ICUs, as there are gaps in the practices in both the settings. Maintaining quality of nursing practice is the need of the hour to optimise the practice standards.