Intentional Rounding to Decrease Call Light Frequency, Improve Staff Responsiveness and Nurse Communication
Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
2025
Faculty Advisor
Carole Mackavey
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a structured hourly rounding tool to ensure intentional hourly rounding to decrease avoidable call light usage and increase patient satisfaction.
Background: A call light system is vital to patient safety, nurse-to-patient communication, and is used as a benchmark for nurse responsiveness. However, when not mitigated, call light frequency interrupts workflow and increases alarm fatigue.
Methodology: Hourly rounding will be a shared intervention between nurses and patient care assistants (PCAs). Nurses will be responsible for addressing even hours during the shift, and PCAs will be responsible for addressing odd hours. The four primary areas of intentional rounding include pain, pump, potty, and position. Nurses will be responsible for signing initials for each time slot to document the patient's pain management and pump administration. PCAs will be accountable for addressing the patient’s potty and positioning with assistance from another PCA or RN.
Results. When comparing 3 months of data pre-and post-implementation of an hourly rounding tool in a post-surgical unit, the utilization of call lights was reduced by 9%. Patient satisfaction scores, as well as analysis of nurse communication or nurse responsiveness, had no statistically significant impact.
Implications. Implementing a structured hourly rounding tool can decrease the frequency of call lights. This quality improvement project showed the importance of proactively anticipating patients' needs. The project also highlighted the importance of regularly scheduled and intentional rounding on patients. The goal of many hospital systems is to mitigate concerns to increase the overall patient experience.
Keywords
Intentional Rounding, Hourly Rounding, Purposeful Rounding, Patient Satisfaction, Nurse Communication, Call Light Usage, Call Bell Frequency, Call Light Activation, Call Light, Call Light Frequency
Recommended Citation
Nicole Ihekwoaba, "Intentional Rounding to Decrease Call Light Frequency, Improve Staff Responsiveness and Nurse Communication" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 85.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/85