A briefing, published by the National Nursing Research Unit at King’s College London, examines different approaches to and the evidence to support intentional rounding, often referred to as nurse ‘care rounds’ in the UK.

Via Policy Plus

Piner, S. (2012). Intentional Rounding: What is the evidence? Policy Plus, Issues and Opinions in Healthcare. Issue 35, April 2012.

Alternative link to view the article via ebookbrowse search engine.

Key elements of nurse care rounds include:

• making sure the patient is comfortable
• attending to personal needs, such as trips to the toilet
• asking patients to describe their pain level, and
• making sure that peronal items are within easy reach.

Evidence suggests intentional rounding reduces the use of call bells and improves care because nurses detect problems earlier. Nurses also enjoy improved interactions with patients.

Clinical outcomes include improvements to pain management, decreased falls and fewer pressure ulcers. Hydration and nutritional standards should be improved for dementia patients.

Patient reported outcomes include a generally improved patient experience, higher patient satisfaction and a reduction in patient complaints.