Patients and staff understanding of general adult psychiatry ward rounds

Abstract

Aims and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was given to psychiatric inpatients and a range of multidisciplinary staff to compare their knowledge and understanding of the general adult psychiatric ward round process and its purpose. Their questionnaires were analysed and the results compared.

Results: The results demonstrated that 57% of patients and 49% of staff had no explanation of the purpose of the ward round and that 60% of patients and 32% of staff were not aware of the ward round process.

Clinical implications: Adequate preparation and education for patients and staff regarding the structure and purpose of the general adult psychiatric ward round would improve not only the patient experience but also the outcomes of the ward round for patients and staff.

Keywords:

• Inpatient services
• ward rounds