The authors describe patient progress rounds, a weekly meeting of
representatives of all disciplines associated with a university hospital
cardiology service. The objective is coordination of treatment for all
patients in the interest of providing comprehensive care. Each patient's
clinical status is reviewed, but primary attention is given to psychosocial
aspects. These rounds provide a medium for identifying and dealing with
patients' needs, a cooperative teaching and learning venture for staff, a
multidisciplinary team approach that increases quality of care, and an
opportunity for doctors to confront the reality of their patients as
psychosocial beings. Case vignettes illustrate the use and effectiveness of
patient progress rounds.Abstract Teaser