Multi-disciplinary Patient and Family-Centered Bedside Rounds are featured in Nance’s “Why Hospitals Should Fly,” touted as a best practice in the ideal hospital that has virtually eliminated all medical errors. I agree with the principles: the patient and family should be informed and not only kept at the center of all clinical decision-making but should be the decision-makers. Furthermore, the multi-disciplinary team should be involved every step along the way, all voices equally heard and involved for the safety and coordination of the patient’s care. However, I have found that I sometimes disagree with the application I’ve seen of these principles in practice. I had the opportunity to discuss this in a small group yesterday: It sounds like there are groups out there that are taking steps to avoid the pitfalls I describe here, and undoubtedly, there are ways to overcome them. Nevertheless, I feel the… Continue reading →