Saint Joseph pilots enhanced Delta Rounds

The test flight of the enhanced Delta Rounds pilot program on Saint Joseph’s MedWest is being described as a “big win” for all physicians, nurses and patients who’ve participated since its launch this May.

Modeled after the Cleveland Clinic Plan of Care Visits, enhanced Delta Rounds call for the physician or APP, bedside nurse and the patient to be involved and actively engaged in medical rounds. The process steps include building rapport with the patient, eliciting and addressing the patients’ questions and concerns, inviting the nurse to share concerns and ensuring everyone is on the same page and aware of the plan for the patient.

“Over time, we’ve developed communication silos, recently exacerbated by Covid,” said Stephanie Wilson, MD, physician champion of this effort at Saint Joseph. “Delta Rounds demolishes these silos and draws physicians and nurses back together at the bedside with the patient.”

As a result, says Wilson, enhanced Delta Rounding:

• Decreases confusion by establishing a shared daily expectation for the patient and the plan of care.

• Leads to better patient care, improved length of stay and more efficient discharge planning.

• Lessens interruptions during the physician’s workday, because care team members participating in Delta Rounds have fewer questions.

“So far this has been a big win for all involved,” said Wilson. “Our physicians and nurses report that interacting with the patients together feels more collaborative, clarifying and empowering. This very, very positive feedback is being shared with care teams on other floors, which are excited for the program’s expansion.”

Wilson and other program leaders currently are finalizing the logistics of expanding the program to other areas. The overall goal is to create a culture shift within the hospital to improve communication, as the intention of Delta Rounds is to promote questions and discussion for each patient every day at the bedside.

As a result, Delta Rounds requires a flexible structure that allows physicians to initiate rounding when they arrive, rather than dictating a set time when they must appear.

Once the program structure is finalized, enhanced Delta Rounds will expand at Saint Joseph. Until then, Wilson offers this advice for all physicians:

“Find your nurses and bring them into the room, to the bedside, whenever you talk to your patients. Address your concerns together. Better communication leads to better care and a better experience, for everyone.”

Physicians with questions about enhanced Delta Rounds can contact Wilson at wilson@mimdocs.com.