Enhancing Interdisciplinary Team Rounds: A Novel Intervention To Improve Interdepartmental Communication for Complex, Hospitalized Patients.

Abstract

Limited opportunities exist for multiple clinical teams to engage in real-time, in-depth communication. This study aimed to improve multiclinician participation in interteam/interdisciplinary discussions. This study measured the number of disciplines and individual clinicians represented in discussions, the proportion of involved teams participating, and clinician satisfaction. A new format was created, inviting all clinicians caring for a highly complex patient to participate in an in-depth, interteam, interdisciplinary discussion. An average of 5.1 clinicians (excluding member of the core palliative care team) and 3.1 different medical and surgical services joined in the discussions each week. Participants reported discussions enhanced ability to understand the case, share knowledge, and communicate with others. Implementation of an interteam discussion format for medically complex patients can improve interteam and interdisciplinary communication. Operational concerns such as appropriate physical space and coordination of overlapping schedules must be considered.