A Qualitative Study Examining Interprofessional Clinical Rounding with Nursing, Medical and Pharmacy Students

Speakman, Elizabeth T.

Monday, 18 November 2013: 3:15 PM

Elizabeth T. Speakman, EdD, RN, CDE, ANEF¹
Mary Hanson-Zalot, MSN, RN, AOCN¹
Julia M. Ward, PhD, RN, BSN, MSN²
(1)School of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
(2)Jefferson School of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Learning Objective 1: Identify an interprofessional clinical rotation strategy

Learning Objective 2: Describe the impact of interprofessional clinical rounding on patient centered quality care

Today the complexity and chronicity of patients present new challenges to healthcare providers. The coordination of care required is best served by an interprofessional framework which delivers patient-centered collaborative care. One such framework is clinical rounding, which brings together healthcare providers and the patient to discuss the plan of care, and goals. These rounds are an exemplary patient-centered approach that positively impacts patient safety through increased collaboration and communication. Therefore the usual and customary clinical opportunities need to be re-examined and faculty are called to provide interprofessional educational (IPE) opportunities in the clinical settings as a way to prepare future health professionals to successfully collaborate as members of health care teams.

Faculty from the Thomas Jefferson University in collaboration with Jefferson Interprofessional Education Center, re-designed bedside rounding as an educational training venue for healthcare professional students. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions of the interprofessional rounding experience in a clinical environment. A qualitative approach was used to assess and evaluate student perceptions of the rounding experience. Thematic analysis of the evaluators' observations and student debriefing sessions was conducted. Interprofessional students met prior to the rounding session to discuss the patient case. Using a structured observation form, evaluators examined rounding interactions followed by a debriefing session where students provided their perceptions of the experience.

The themes, "collaboration among healthcare professionals", "open lines of communication", "efficiency of care", and "satisfaction within role" emerged from the data. Feedback suggests that this experience increases the efficiency and coordination of care resulting in a more patient-centered approach. This presentation will highlight the results of an innovative approach to interprofessional clinical training where nursing, medical and pharmacy students engaged in a share clinical experience as a method to increase quality patient centered care.

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