Patients’ experiences of clinical team meetings (ward rounds) at an adult in-patient eating disorders ward: mixed-method service improvement project
Abstract
Ward rounds are key to treatment-related decision-making, but are often stressful.
This project aimed to explore and improve patients’ experiences of the clinical team meeting (CTM; historically known as ward round) in an adult in-patient eating disorders unit.
A mixed-method approach was adopted with in vivo observations, two focus groups and an interview.
Six patients participated.
Two former patients contributed to data analysis, co-production of service improvement initiatives and write-up.
Results
The mean CTM duration was 14.3 min.
Patients spoke half of the time, followed by psychiatry colleagues. ‘Request’ was the most discussed category.
Three themes were identified: CTMs are important but impersonal, a sense of palpable anxiety was generated and staff and patients had divergent views regarding CTM goals.
Clinical implications The co-produced changes to CTMs were implemented and improved patient’s experiences despite COVID-19 challenges.
Factors beyond CTMs, including the ward’s power hierarchy, culture and language, need addressing to facilitate shared decision-making.
Citations
Yim, S., Jones, R., Cooper, M., Roberts, L., & Viljoen, D. (2023). Patients’ experiences of clinical team meetings (ward rounds) at an adult in-patient eating disorders ward: Mixed-method service improvement project. BJPsych Bulletin, 1-7.
Page last reviewed: 12 June, 2025
Metadata
Author(s): Cooper, Myra; Jones, Roshan; Roberts, Lyn; Viljoen, David; Yim, See Heng
Collection: 123456789/8
Subject(s): Clinical Meetings, Patient Satisfaction, Ward Rounds
Format(s): Article
Date issued: 2023-04
ID: 1216