Nurse and patient satisfaction with intentional rounding in a rural Australian setting

Aims and objectives To compare nurse and patient satisfaction with intentional rounding in a rural Australian hospital setting and examine which aspects of care predict satisfaction. Background Intentional rounding is a systematic process used by healthcare professionals to anticipate and address the fundamental needs of hospitalised patients. Despite a wealth of literature about nurse and patient satisfaction with intentional rounding, no studies have compared nurse and patient satisfaction, and little is known about intentional rounding in a rural setting. Design A cross‐sectional study was undertaken with nursing staff and patients at a rural hospital and reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines. Methods Nurses (n = 63) and patients (n = 66) were invited to complete the Patient Satisfaction Survey between April and June 2018. Nurse and patient responses were compared and predictors of nurse and patient satisfaction with intentional rounding care were determined using generalised estimating equation models. Results Both nurses and patients positively rated satisfaction with all aspects of nursing care provided and received through intentional rounding. Nurses' satisfaction with care provided to patients through intentional rounding was predicted by interest in patients' feelings about their care. Patient satisfaction with the care they received whilst hospitalised was predicted by the ability to see a nurse when they needed to, the provision of pain relief when needed, feeling comfortable and safe, and the perception that nurses were interested in their feelings about their care. Conclusion Intentional rounding is a means for nurses to regularly attend to patients' emotional and physical needs, which is central to patients feeling safe and cared for whilst hospitalised. Relevance to clinical practice Intentional rounding practices ensure that patients feel genuinely cared for by nursing staff whilst hospitalised and can improve nurse and patient interactions, satisfaction and outcomes.