Ward rounds are key to treatment-related decision-making, but are often stressful. This project aimed to explore and improve patients’ experiences of the clinical team meeting (CTM; historically known as ward round) in an adult in-patient eating disorders unit. A mixed-method approach was adopted with in vivo observations, two focus groups and an interview. Six patients participated. Two former patients contributed to data analysis, co-production of service improvement initiatives and write-up.

The mean CTM duration was 14.3 min. Patients spoke half of the time, followed by psychiatry colleagues. ‘Request’ was the most discussed category. Three themes were identified: CTMs are important but impersonal, a sense of palpable anxiety was generated and staff and patients had divergent views regarding CTM goals.

The co-produced changes to CTMs were implemented and improved patient's experiences despite COVID-19 challenges. Factors beyond CTMs, including the ward's power hierarchy, culture and language, need addressing to facilitate shared decision-making.

: To improve the quality of ward rounds, particularly reliability and patient experience.

: This is a quantitative quality improvement study that used a plan-do-study-act cycle, including process mapping. The improvements were measured by an objective patient survey, staff survey and a checklist.

: Process mapping identified the use of templates for the ward round plan, nursing and medical summaries. There was an increase in the reliability of ward round relating to flow of information measured by the checklist. Patient experience improved, rated by both patient and staff surveys, after series of changes were put in place.

: Checklists in the form of templates improved the reliability of information flow for patient treatment. If the multidisciplinary team is clear about what information and tasks are necessary, there will be a more reliable assessment. With the implementation of the plan template, more treatment plans are fully comprehensive enabling the consistent delivery of high quality of care.