title: [Reduced time-frame for ward rounds and patient satisfaction].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The introduction in 2006 of the European legislation restricting physicians work-ing hours has had a dramatic impact on working conditions. This restriction called for a marked improvement in hospital workflow, leading to a reduction of time spent on ward rounds. We conducted an opinion survey assessing patient satisfaction in the area of markedly reduced ward rounds.
  
  
  METHODS
  By January 2009, the time-frame allowed for morning ward rounds had been reduced by 33 % from 45 to 30 min. At the same time, the attendance of the senior staff surgeon was declared mandatory on each ward round. We conducted a prospective study, assessing patient satisfaction over a period of 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  86 patients with an average age of 56.7 years were repeatedly questioned by a single investigator. Average length of hospital stay was 7.2 days. Patients expected ward rounds to average 5.3 min, which was significantly higher than actually observed. However, an overall patient satisfaction of above 80 % could be measured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In spite of the reduced time spent on ward rounds, a high level of overall patient satisfaction can be obtained due to the regular attendance of a senior staff surgeon. Process management is furthermore endorsed by the routine -application of clinical pathways in patient management.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes Homburg / Saar, Klinik für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Homburg / Saar, Deutschland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Veigel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kollmar
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schuld
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bialas
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schilling
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Moussavian
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011786:Quality Control; D056164:Teaching Rounds; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D057188:Workflow