Armendariz J, Tamayo C, Slade J, Belitskaya-Lévy I, Gray C, Allaudeen N. Interruptions to Attending Physician Rounds and Their Effect on Resident Education.
J Grad Med Educ 2021;
13:266-275. [PMID:
33897961 PMCID:
PMC8054601 DOI:
10.4300/jgme-d-20-00698.1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Daily attending rounds (AR) are a cornerstone of teaching and patient care in academic health centers. Interruptions in health care are common and can cause increased risk of errors, incomplete work, and decreased decision-making accuracy. Interruptions to AR may diminish a trainee's capacity to learn and retain information.
OBJECTIVE
We characterized and quantified interruptions that occur during AR.
METHODS
We used a mixed-methods design combining a prospective observational study with a qualitative study. AR were observed January to March 2020 to characterize interruptions, followed by semi-structured interviews with the observed physicians to elucidate the effect of interruptions on workflow and the educational value of rounds.
RESULTS
There were 378 observed interruptions over the course of 30 AR sessions, averaging 12.6 (range 1-22, median 13) interruptions per rounding session. Bedside nursing staff was the most common source of interruptions (25%) and consultant recommendations was the most common topic of interruption (21%). Most interruptions occurred during patient presentations (76%), and the most common method of interaction was text message (24%). Most team members described negative effects of interruptions, including loss of focus and missing critical clinical information; some also reported that certain interruptions had positive effects on education and clinical care. Interns were more likely to report negative emotional reactions to interruptions.
CONCLUSIONS
AR are frequently interrupted for non-urgent topics by a variety of methods and sources. Negative effects included loss of focus, missed information, and increased stress. Proactive communication, particularly between physicians and nurses, was suggested to reduce interruptions.
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