Experiences and Needs of Core Participants in Surgical Ward Rounds: Qualitative Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: Surgical ward rounds (SWRs) are typically led by doctors, with limited involvement from key participants, including patients, family members, and bedside nurses. Despite the potential benefits of a more collaborative and person-centered approach, efforts to engage these stakeholders remain rare.

Objective: This qualitative exploratory study aims to examine the experiences and needs of doctors, nurses, patients, and their relatives during SWRs as part of a participatory design process.

Methods: Data were collected through ethnographic field studies, focus groups with the health care providers, patients, and relatives, and dyadic interviews conducted as part of home visits to patients and their partners after discharge. Field notes and interview data were analyzed using systematic text condensation.

Results: Lack of organization, traditional roles, and cultural norms compromised the quality, efficiency, and user experience of SWRs in multiple ways. SWRs were routine-driven, treatment-focused, and received lower priority than surgical tasks. Unpredictability resulted in unprepared participants and limited access for nurses, patients, and relatives to partake.

Conclusions: The study identified a gap between the organizational and cultural frameworks governing the SWRs and the experiences and needs of key participants. Digital technologies were perceived as a potential solution to address some of these challenges.

Keywords: digital technologies; family involvement; interdisciplinary rounds; patient participation; surgical ward rounds.