Rounds are a way to share important information about a patient's medical condition with the members of the healthcare team who are responsible for the patient's care. During rounds, we examine the patient's medical problems, treatment plan and response to treatments. We incorporate the expertise of the many different healthcare professionals and specialists in CCTC, to determine the best possible treatment plan for each individual patient.
Rounds are lead by the Critical Care Consultant. We share our plans openly with our patients and their substitue decion-makers. Please ask us if you have any questions about the plan or any aspect of your family member's care.
Morning Rounds
Every morning, the CCTC team meets to review each patient's progress and to identify the plan for the day. On Monday to Friday, these rounds are usually conducted in the conference room.
On weekends,when the team is smaller, morning rounds are usually conducted as "walking rounds".
Afternoon rounds
Every afternoon, the medical team will make bedside rounds to review the progress on the days plan and to assess the patients. The plan is reassessed and revised as needed.
In later afternoon or early evening, the number of physicians will decrease, depending upon the activity level in the unit. There is a physician in the unit all the time.
Protecting Personal Healthcare Information
During the time when your family member is unable to make health care decisions, a Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM) must be identified. Personal healthcare information that is relevant to decision-making can be shared with a patient’s SDM or with individuals that the patient or SDM identify as authorized.
During periods of time when personal healthcare information is being discussed (such as bedside medical rounds), visiting will be restricted to those individuals authorized to hear personal health information. This may include shift-change handover report or patient care rounds.
We try our best within the limitations of our healthcare environment to protect private healthcare information. For this reason, we will close the doors of patient rooms whenever possible. We encourage family members to open and close doors to limit noise and provide privacy. If your are concerned about the location of a personal healthcare discussion, please let the healthcare provider know.
Rounds and the Exchange of Personal Health Information
Nursing shift change and bedside rounds are important periods where critical information is shared. All healthcare providers use a structured approach when they communicate information about a patient’s condition and treatment plan. This process requires concentration and focused attention. During the nursing assessment, nurses need to undress patients to examine their skin carefully and to perform a complete assessment. Maintaining a patients privacy and dignity during these times is important. You family member's nurse may need some time to complete these activities. Please speak to your family member's nurse to discuss your visiting needs so that patient care can be coordinated.
Substitute Decision-Makers (SDMs) are welcome to be present during walking rounds. For patient safety reasons, we ask that you allow team members to complete their reports before asking questions or providing additional information.
At the end of patient care rounds, there will usually be time for patients or their SDMs to have a few short questions answered. If a more detailed conversation is required, one of our physicians will be happy to return to the bedside at the completion of rounds to answer your questions.
