7. Applying guidelines relating to preparation and follow-up
Following the guidelines will help with the process to ensure that everyone is prepared for the ward round and that follow-up is effective.
The parts of the guidelines that particularly relate to this are shown here.
Select each guideline title for a more detailed description of how it applies.
A clearly defined and communicated purpose of the ward round.
A clearly defined and communicated purpose of the ward round relative to the overall in-patient experience, setting out the scope and limitations of the ward round: what it is for and what it is not for.
Effectively ‘declutter’ the ward round.
A scoping exercise to effectively ‘declutter’ the ward round from being the function to discuss / resolve too many, significant or complex issues / matters and to recommend how issues such as treatment, s.17 leave and discharge planning may be resolved outside the ward round.
An agreed ‘agenda’ for ward round that all parties input into.
A model where each ward round has an agreed ‘agenda’ that all parties input into and is circulated in good time to allow for preparation and follow up.
Clear processes for the preparation and follow up of ward rounds.
Clear processes for the preparation and follow up of ward rounds, ensuring participants are well prepared, actions are clear and agreed, and responsibility and monitoring of actions is effective.
Communication with and involvement of carers.
Particular attention to communication with and involvement of carers and the potential barriers to this (e.g. confidentiality).