The participation of hospital nurses in the multidisciplinary ward round on a cancer‐therapy ward

Abstract

Summary • The aim of this study is to describe the participation of a group of hospital nurses in the multidisciplinary ward rounds on a cancer-therapy ward. • Thirteen multidisciplinary group meetings (which took place before the ‘walk round’ meeting with the patients at the bedside) were tape recorded over a period of 4 weeks. The participating nurses were interviewed immediately after each ward round, yielding 23 interviews in total. In addition, three multidisciplinary team meetings were observed by the researcher. • The verbal contributions of the nurses are categorized. The behaviour and the views of the participating nurses about ward rounds are described. • Aspects of decision making and time management are highlighted. Barriers to the participation of nurses in ward rounds are identified. • Recommendations which may improve the participation of nurses in ward rounds are made.