Strategies for Improving Attendance at Medical Grand Rounds at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract

To evaluate, in this before-and-after study, the results of 5 strategies for improving attendance at medical grand rounds at a tertiary care academic medical center. The strategies included (1) using electronic card readers to improve understanding of attendance patterns, (2) conducting yearly needs assessment surveys, (3) developing sessions of topical interest, (4) increasing formal participation by residents and faculty researchers, and (5) enhancing publicity. Attendance at medical grand rounds by Mayo Clinic faculty, fellows, residents, and others was measured by card readers between 1998 and 2001. After implementation of the 5 strategies, the mean +/- SD attendance (as measured by card readers) at medical grand rounds increased 39% from 99.0 +/- 24.6 persons in 1998 to 137.4 +/- 25.2 persons in 2001 (P < .001). An organized effort can improve attendance at medical grand rounds at an academic medical center.