• S Veigel, A Schmid, O Kollmar, J Schuld, P Bialas, B Kopp, M Schilling, and M R Moussavian.
• Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes Homburg / Saar, Klinik für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Homburg / Saar, Deutschland.
• Zentralbl Chir. 2012 Apr 1;137(2):187-95.

IntroductionThe 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.Materials And MethodsBy 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.Results86 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.ConclusionIn 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.© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York.

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