Timing of Physician Rounds for Antepartum Patients

Study Summary

This study will include patients admitted to the Antepartum service at Duke University Hospital, many of whom are managing high-risk pregnancies that require extended hospital stays and frequent physician interactions. Currently, two rounding methods are used interchangeably for patients who do not have pregnancy or delivery complications that would preclude participation in delayed daytime rounding. This randomized controlled trial will compare two rounding models: the standard model, in which patients receive two rounds (an early morning bedside encounter and a later team discussion), and the intervention model, which consolidates both rounds into a single, later-morning bedside encounter following the team's review of clinical data. The primary objective is to assess whether consolidating physician rounds into a single, later-morning encounter-referred to as discovery rounding-improves patient satisfaction with communication.

Primary Outcome

The CAT measures patients' perceptions of physician communication across 15 specific behaviors, such as listening carefully, showing respect, explaining information clearly, and spending sufficient time with the patient. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "Poor" to "Excellent." By focusing on the frequency of "Excellent" ratings, the CAT provides a robust, patient-centered measure of the effectiveness and impact of physician communication during hospitalization.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Discovery Rounding
• BEHAVIORAL Standard Rounding

Study Locations (2)