Rounds

Abstract

Every institution has its own definition of, and vocabulary for, rounds. For the purpose of this book, we will define rounds as the time when you regularly see patients in the hospital. Every patient must be seen by the resident (not just the student) at least once a day, and the resident (not the student) must write a note in the patient’s chart. Most patients are seen more than once a day. The first rounds of the day should occur prior to scheduled surgery, lectures, conferences, and meetings. This will indeed assure you of having to wake very early. It will also assure you that the patient will not be distracted by breakfast, or that too many relatives or friends will be present.

If you get all the facts, your judgment can be right; if you don’t get all the facts, it can’t be right. —Bernard M. Baruch