A recent study led by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus highlights how bedside interdisciplinary rounds (BIDR) enhance patient-provider interactions and boost team collaboration in healthcare settings. BIDR involves a clinical team meeting at the patient’s bedside to discuss care plans, allowing both patients and providers to actively engage in healthcare decisions. 

"Traditional interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) allow healthcare teams to coordinate care, but BIDR extends this by involving patients and their families directly at the bedside," explained Dr. Katarzyna Mastalerz, the study's lead author and an associate professor of hospital medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "This approach builds trust through open communication, shared goals, and collaborative decision-making." 

 Positive Impact on Patient Trust and Team Dynamics 

Involving patients in discussions at their bedside during BIDR led to positive patient feedback, as participants felt empowered by being active in their care planning. BIDR also improved team dynamics, with healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, and care coordinators, reporting increased mutual respect and a stronger sense of teamwork. 

However, the study also uncovered areas for improvement, as some patients expressed confusion due to medical jargon, while providers cited logistical challenges, including lengthy presentations and limited support for interprofessional collaboration. "We recommend clear role assignments, patient-centered language, and real-time addressing of team input to make BIDR more effective," said Mastalerz. Additionally, enhancing interprofessional support and streamlining BIDR processes may further improve patient and team experiences. 

The findings underscore the importance of BIDR as a tool to advance patient-centered care and suggest that BIDR can play a role in breaking down professional siloes, ultimately strengthening trust and improving outcomes in hospital settings.