Ideal ward round

1. Setting the scene

Within mental health care, ward rounds play an important, and potentially very beneficial role in shaping a person's care, making sure that everyone concerned, including the person them self have a voice and are listened to. They should be a way of ensuring that care is appropriate, dynamic and safe.

However, we are all aware that there are issues with the ways that ward rounds are perceived and and carried out.

Take a look at this video. Here we meet Emma just before a ward round that is going to discuss her care. Whilst Emma's story is fictitious, you will also hear some thoughts from individuals who have been involved in ward round situations in different capacities.

What would you say the main issues that have been identified are?