Rounds in the intensive care unit (ICU) allow for scheduled discussions in which healthcare providers review clinical information and develop care plans for critically ill patients. Despite this straightforward concept, there is widespread variability in numerous components of rounds. While some of these differences are culturally rooted and, as such, unavoidable, unintentional or unnecessary variability in key structures of rounds can lead to significant issues related to patient safety and dissatisfied patients, families and/or members of the multiprofessional ICU team. This article addresses some of the key components to successful ICU rounds with the goal to advance current practice patterns.

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