From the Patient's Perspective: Orthopedic Virtual Rounds

Abstract

Interdisciplinary rounding on hospital inpatients is an integral part of providing high-quality, safe patient care. As orthopedic groups have grown and geographic coverage increased, surgeons are challenged to make in-person rounds on their patients every day given time constraints and physical distances. Virtual technology is being used in multiple healthcare settings to provide patients with the opportunity to connect with health care professionals when in-person options are not available. The purpose of this study was to explore the patient experience of virtual inpatient rounding. Using digital communication technology, virtual rounds were conducted by having the surgeon connect via their mobile device or laptop to the nursing unit's communication tablet. Twenty-seven patient interviews were digitally recorded and qualitatively analyzed. Results demonstrated that virtual rounds provided a positive patient experience for many. Most patients felt that virtual rounds were a good alternative when in-person rounds are not possible. Dissatisfaction was related to feeling “rushed” by the surgeon. This feedback can be used to better prepare patients and providers for virtual rounds and to enhance virtual technologies.