Abstract

Aims and objectives. This research aimed to investigate the use of intentional
rounding within in the emergency department setting through exploration of the
staff nurse experience. The focus was its implementation at a large teaching hospital
in England.
Background. Research into the use of intentional rounding in any area of practice
is minimal in the UK; however, a broader evidence base comes from America.
The majority of this research supports the notion of intentional rounding for
improved patient care and outcomes. Research from the UK is generally more
contested. There is less literature on using intentional rounding specifically in the
emergency department setting.
Design. Qualitative methodological approach.
Methods. Semi-structured interviews (n = 5) were completed with staff nurses
working within an emergency department. A purposive sampling technique was
used for recruitment. The data was then analysed using ‘Framework Method of
Qualitative Analysis’ (Spencer et al. 2014).
Results. The findings were categorised into four headings: (1) Improved patient
experience, (2) Current unmanageability, (3) Adapting for the emergency department,
(4) Benefits on achieving quality indicators and targets.
Conclusion. The findings show that although staff felt the introduction of intentional
rounding techniques could lead to improvements in patient safety and overall
care experience, they also identified a range of difficulties and adaptations
needed to ensure its success within this acute care environment.
Relevance to clinical practice. The research offers an insight into the staff’s perceptions
of using intentional rounding and also explains the practical difficulties
faced by the nursing staff with potential suggestions that may help to address
these problems. Benefits include more open communication between staff and
patients and potentially more timely response to patient need, which positively
impacts levels of safety and satisfaction. Barriers include lack of staff engagement,
and the environmental factors and pressures, within the ED setting.