What is a hospital round?

A hospital round, also known as ward round or patient round, is a regular visit made by a team of healthcare professionals to patients admitted to a hospital ward or other healthcare facility. The purpose of hospital rounds is to assess patients' conditions, discuss their progress, and make decisions regarding their care.

During hospital rounds, the healthcare team, which typically includes physicians, nurses, residents, and other healthcare professionals, visits each patient's room or bedside. The team members may:

1. Review the patient's medical history: This includes information such as past illnesses, allergies, medications, and current symptoms.

2. Perform a physical examination: The healthcare professionals may check the patient's vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate), listen to their heart and lungs, and examine their skin, eyes, and other body parts.

3. Review laboratory and imaging results: This may include blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests.

4. Discuss the patient's progress: The team evaluates the patient's response to treatment, identifies any new problems, and monitors their overall condition.

5. Make decisions about the patient's care: The team members discuss and decide on the appropriate treatment plan, medications, and any necessary interventions.

6. Communicate with the patient and their family: The healthcare professionals provide updates on the patient's condition, answer questions, and address any concerns.

7. Document the visit: The findings and decisions from the hospital rounds are documented in the patient's medical record.

Hospital rounds are an important part of patient care as they allow the healthcare team to monitor patients' progress closely, identify and address any changes in their condition, and make informed decisions about their treatment. They also provide an opportunity for patients and their families to communicate with the healthcare team and be involved in the decision-making process.