Hourly rounding to improve nursing responsiveness: a systematic review.

UNLABELLED The aims of this study were to synthesize the evidence concerning the effect of hourly rounding programs on patient satisfaction with nursing care and discuss implications for nurse administrators. BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction is a key metric that influences both hospital ratings and reimbursement. Studies have suggested that purposeful nursing rounds can improve patient satisfaction, but the evidence to date has not been systematically examined. METHODS A systematic review of published literature and GRADE analysis of evidence regarding nursing rounds were conducted. RESULTS There is little consistency in how results of hourly rounds were measured, precluding quantitative analysis. There is moderate-strength evidence that hourly rounding programs improve patients' perception of nursing responsiveness. There is also moderate-strength evidence that these programs reduce patient falls and call light use. CONCLUSIONS Nurse administrators should consider implementing an hourly rounding program while controlled trials discern the most cost-effective approach.