Service users’ and staff’s experiences of ward rounds in an inpatient rehabilitation service: a service evaluation

Ward rounds are an integral aspect of care in inpatient mental health settings but there appears to be no research into service users’ and staff’s views on ward rounds in inpatient rehabilitation services. A service evaluation has explored the experiences of eight service users and nine staff members in one inpatient rehabilitation service with a view to inform service improvements. Participants had mixed experiences. Many appreciated ward rounds’ focus on goal setting and discharge planning. Staff’s positive experiences were linked with positive relationships within the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Some service users reported feelings of anxiety and powerlessness. Some staff said they lacked time to prepare for, attend and follow-up on ward rounds. Collaborative care, positive relationships between MDT members and protected time for staff could improve service users’ and staff’s experiences, and therefore the effectiveness, of ward rounds.