PICOT Template for Hourly Rounding in Medical-Surgical Units
INTERVENTION
Among hospitalized patients in medical-surgical units (P), how does implementing hourly rounding by nursing staff (I) compared to no structured rounding (C) impact the rate of patient falls (O)? Hourly rounding enhances nurses’ ability to identify patient fall risk factors, enabling individualized interventions (Manges et al., 2020).
THERAPY
For patients in medical-surgical units (P), what is the effect of hourly rounding (I) versus not performing hourly rounding (C) on quality of care, patient satisfaction, patient empowerment, and fall rates (O) within the first month of implementation (T)? According to Manges et al. (2020), hourly rounding leads to improved care quality, higher satisfaction, and empowerment.
PROGNOSIS/PREDICTION
Among patients in medical-surgical units (P), how does hourly rounding implementation (I) compared to no hourly rounding (C) influence the prediction of decreased patient fall rates (O)? Studies show intentional hourly roundings decrease fall rates in acute care settings. One study found fall rates reduced from 3.21 to 1.14 after hourly rounding training (Manges et al., 2020).
DIAGNOSIS OR DIAGNOSTIC TEST
For patients in medical-surgical units (P), does hourly rounding implementation (I) versus no hourly rounding (C) more accurately diagnose the impact on patient fall rates (O)? Literature indicates hourly rounding positively affects fall rates in these units. Findings suggest improved care quality, satisfaction, empowerment, and decreased falls (Manges et al., 2020).
ETIOLOGY
Are medical-surgical unit patients (P) with hourly rounding (I), compared to those without (C), at increased risk for patient fall rates (O) over 3 months (T)? Patients with hourly rounding have decreased fall risk, as nurses providing frequent care reduce harm risk (Manges et al., 2020).
MEANING
How do hospitalized medical-surgical unit patients (P) with hourly rounding (I) perceive care quality and overall well-being (O) during the 6-month implementation period (T)? When nurses round frequently, patients are more likely to ask for help (Manges et al., 2020). Hourly rounding helps nurses focus on each patient’s needs.
Adapted from the PICOT Questions Template; Ellen Fineout-Overholt, 2006. This form may be used for educational & research purposes without permission.
