SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Exploring Hospitalist Experiences Using Different Rounding Styles

Pdf Summary

This study explored how hospitalists decide between bedside rounds, hallway rounds, and card-flipping rounds when working with learners. The authors used semi-structured interviews with 35 hospitalists across 25 institutions, along with focus groups, templated summaries, and matrix analysis.<br /><br />The main finding was that rounding style is not chosen for teaching alone; it is shaped by multiple practical and system-level factors. Hospitalists emphasized the need for flexibility and for setting shared expectations with learners and patients. They noted that some patients welcome bedside rounds and enjoy participating, while others prefer less group presence. Patient selection therefore matters.<br /><br />External pressures also limit rounding choices. Time constraints, geographic spread of patients across buildings or floors, and workflow demands often make fully bedside rounds inefficient or unrealistic. In some settings, hospitalists described using hallway rounds or card-flipping simply to manage time and movement between locations.<br /><br />The study also highlighted educational tradeoffs. While card-flipping may improve efficiency, many hospitalists felt it reduces opportunities to observe trainees directly, especially communication and physical exam skills. This makes it harder to provide meaningful feedback in real time.<br /><br />Overall, the authors concluded that rounding style reflects a balance between patient preferences, educational goals, and operational realities. They suggest that meaningful improvement will require system-level coordination rather than individual effort alone.

Asset Subtitle

Lucy Z. Shi

Meta Tag

Author List Amit K. Pahwa, Eliza Bullis, Gregory Leslie, Jack Badawy, John M. Cunningham, Lucy Z. Shi, Sonia Dalal, Vasundhara Singh

Category Research

Concept Rounding Style

Concept Bedside Co-rounding

Concept Hallway Rounding

Concept Card-Flipping Rounding

Concept Patient Preference

Distinguished Finalist

Presenter Organization University of California Davis

Presenting Author Lucy Z. Shi

Track Education

Keywords

hospitalist rounds

bedside rounds

hallway rounds

card-flipping rounds

medical education

learner feedback

patient preferences

workflow efficiency

semi-structured interviews

system-level factors

Rounding Style

Bedside Co-rounding

Hallway Rounding

Card-Flipping Rounding

Patient Preference