Purposeful Hourly Rounding by Nurses: A Best Practice Implementation Project

Purpose: The project aimed to improve the patient satisfaction and safety through implementation of purposeful hourly rounding by nurses. Materials and Method: The FADE Quality Improvement model was used to guide the process. A video assisted training programme was developed about purposeful hourly rounding protocol. Direct observation of staff nurses was done followed by training programme to assess timeliness and utilization of a protocol when rounding. A follow-up audit was conducted to determine compliance with the same criteria. For the project aim, pre- and post-intervention data related to nursing sensitive elements of patient satisfaction and safety was compared. Results: The purposeful hourly rounding concept was selected for implementation because it is evidence based practice and appeared to be beneficial in all IPD wards. The video assisted training programme was presented to all nurses working in wards. Nurses expressed appreciation that they were consulted, trained and their feedback was incorporated into tool before it was implemented. Resources needed to implement the protocol were identified and those were provided. Conclusion: Nurses have the ability to improve patient satisfaction and patient safety outcomes by utilizing purposeful hourly rounding concept which serves to improve patient communication and staff responsiveness. Having supportive resources, structured approach and involving all levels of staff, to meet patient needs during their hospital stay was a key factor for success.