12 Questions Every University and Hospital Has About Grand Rounds

Picture this: a group of eager residents trailing after Sir William Osler, moving from one patient’s bedside to the next, listening intently as he unravels complex cases and shares his clinical wisdom. It was the late 19th century, and at Johns Hopkins Medical School, this practice evolved into what we now know as Grand Rounds—a tradition that became the cornerstone of medical education.

Fast-forward a century, and the grandeur started to wane. Rising costs, logistical headaches, and dwindling attendance threatened to push them into obscurity. But then came the game-changer: live video streaming and video content management platforms. Suddenly, Grand Rounds were back—tackling the hurdles of cost, logistics, and participation head-on and breathing new life into this century-old tradition.

Sure, some critics might wax poetic about the “lost art” of Grand Rounds, but let’s be real: with the right tools and strategies, they’re more impactful now than ever. In this article, we’ll dive into 12 of the most burning questions about Grand Rounds—what they are, why they matter, and how modern solutions like Mediasite redefine their potential. Let’s find out. 

#1. What are Grand Rounds?

Grand Rounds are formal medical education sessions where healthcare professionals discuss clinical cases to deepen understanding, refine diagnostic skills, and share knowledge. Historically rooted in residency programs, they began as a way for trainees to learn directly from experienced faculty by presenting illustrative patient cases.

Format:
Typically, a junior physician or resident presents a detailed clinical case, followed by a multidisciplinary discussion led by senior physicians. Many sessions even feature guest speakers sharing cutting-edge research or innovative clinical approaches.

Purpose and Benefits:
A cornerstone of continuing medical education, Grand Rounds offers a platform to discuss complex cases, share advances in research, and foster collaboration across specialties. They bridge academic theory and practical application, making them invaluable for lifelong learning and professional development.

Modern Adaptations:
With the rise of technology, Grand Rounds have evolved to include virtual formats, expanding accessibility, reducing costs, and fostering global participation without compromising their educational impact.

#2. What makes a good Grand Rounds presentation?

Crafting a stellar Grand Rounds presentation isn’t just about throwing together a slide deck; it’s about creating a session that educates, engages, and resonates with your audience of healthcare professionals. Here are seven steps to make it impactful:

1. Pick a meaningful case: Focus on clinical challenges or groundbreaking research relevant to your audience’s practice. Highlight lessons that can directly improve patient care.
2. Plan meticulously: Study the case thoroughly, incorporate the latest research, and rehearse for clarity and timing.
3. Ground in evidence: Use peer-reviewed studies, clinical guidelines, and real-world data to support your key points.
4. Deliver confidently: Speak clearly and confidently, varying your tone, pitch, and speaking pace to keep things dynamic and the audience engaged.
5. Encourage discussion: Allow time for Q&A or multidisciplinary input to foster collaborative learning.
6. Prepare for contingencies: Always have a presentation backup and test the AV equipment to avoid disruptions.

By integrating evidence, engaging delivery, and focusing on real-world clinical impact, you can ensure your Grand Rounds presentation leaves a lasting impression.

#3. How has attendance changed since switching to virtual Grand Rounds?

Some studies on the subject show that attendance has generally increased with the transition to virtual Grand Rounds, particularly among faculty, due to improved accessibility and convenience. Here’s how attendance patterns changed across different studies:

1. Increased attendance during COVID-19:
• At Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Sparkes et al., 2021), virtual sessions saw attendance jump from 44 to 384 on average, with recorded sessions further expanding accessibility. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of virtual formats in addressing educational needs during the pandemic.
2. Improved faculty participation:
• In Orthopaedic Grand Rounds (Reddy et al., 2022), faculty attendance increased by 95.4% in the virtual format due to greater convenience and access to CME credits. However, residents’ attendance remained stable as in-person participation was mandatory.
3. Mixed trends post-COVID:
• At Vanderbilt Medical Center (Monahan et al., 2023), overall attendance remained consistent between in-person (48.6%) and virtual formats (51.2%). Faculty favored the convenience of virtual sessions, while in-person meetings were preferred for fostering interaction and collegiality.

Virtual Grand Rounds have generally improved attendance and accessibility, particularly during the pandemic, but they also face challenges in replicating the networking opportunities and engagement of in-person formats.

#4. What were the main reasons for preferring a hybrid format over virtual or in-person Grand Rounds?

The hybrid format bridges the gap between the convenience of virtual sessions and the engagement of in-person meetings. It hits the sweet spot by combining the best of both worlds:

• Convenience meets connection: Virtual access reduces travel hassles, while in-person sessions keep peer interaction alive.
• Reach and inclusivity: Remote options bring global voices to the table without excluding local participants.
• Dynamic learning: Blends interactive digital tools with live, face-to-face discussions for a richer experience.
• Flexible engagement: Recorded sessions ensure participants can catch up or review at their own pace.
• Cost-effective versatility: Balances the reduced logistical costs of virtual setups with the networking benefits of in-person events.

#5. What strategies can hospitals and universities adopt to improve attendance at Grand Rounds?

Improving attendance at Grand Rounds requires addressing challenges like logistical constraints, high costs, and inflexible schedules. A shift to hybrid or virtual formats can resolve these issues by offering accessibility, flexibility, and broader reach while maintaining engagement. Leveraging modern technology and participant-focused approaches can further boost participation. These strategies include: 

• Provide recordings for flexibility: Allow participants to view sessions later, accommodating different schedules and improving overall engagement.
• Focus on content delivery: Use engaging tools like interactive polls, live Q&A, and audience feedback to enhance participation and maintain attention during sessions.

#6. How do hospitals integrate technology into Grand Rounds?

Grand Rounds have come a long way, from bedside teaching with patients to leveraging modern technologies that enhance education and accessibility. Here’s how technology has shaped and continues to shape Grand Rounds:

• Presentation Tools: Tools like PowerPoint replaced live patient presentations, prioritizing privacy while delivering detailed case insights.
• Video Conferencing Platforms: Platforms like Zoom and Teams enabled remote participation, making grand rounds flexible and accessible across geographies, even during challenging times like the pandemic.
• Dedicated Video Content Management Tools: Specialized platforms designed for healthcare, such as Mediasite, enhance content delivery with features like on-demand access, live streaming, and interactivity.
• Extended Reality (XR): Cutting-edge innovations like XR introduce immersive experiences, using holographic aids to combine bedside learning with futuristic visualization, as seen in pilot projects with XR Grand Rounds.
• Immersive Innovations with Mediasite 360 Video: Platforms like Mediasite 360 go further, offering 360-degree immersive video environments. These allow healthcare professionals to explore realistic scenarios, engage in interactive simulations, and collaborate remotely, revolutionizing training and Grand Rounds.

As technology advances, tools like XR and Mediasite are transforming Grand Rounds into dynamic, future-ready educational experiences.

#7. How can universities and hospitals reduce the cost of Grand Rounds?

Lowering the cost of Grand Rounds starts with addressing the high expenses associated with in-person sessions. Costs for venues, catering, and speaker travel can quickly add up, as highlighted in a study by Reddy et al., where traditional in-person Grand Rounds cost around $22,968.85 annually.

Shifting to virtual formats can significantly reduce these expenses by eliminating the need for physical venues and travel logistics. While video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams can offer basic solutions, dedicated video management platforms such as Mediasite provide advanced features like live streaming, session recording, and on-demand access. These tools not only save costs but also create reusable resources, making them a sustainable option for healthcare institutions. 

#8. What security measures are essential for virtual Grand Rounds?

Virtual Grand Rounds require strong security to protect sensitive medical discussions and comply with healthcare regulations. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams provide essentials such as pre-registration, waiting rooms, and end-to-end encryption.

However, for heightened protection, platforms like Mediasite offer advanced security features such as role-based access, HIPAA compliance, and Single Sign-On (SSO). These measures ensure that only authorized users can access sessions and recordings, keeping sensitive information secure and compliant with privacy standards.

#9. Which companies are leading the development of virtual Grand Rounds solutions?

Virtual Grand Rounds are supported by a range of platforms, including:

• Mediasite
• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams
• Webex
• Panopto 
• Kaltura 

While these platforms differ in offerings, they all make Grand Rounds more accessible, efficient, and adaptable to modern educational needs.

Curious about how popular platforms like Panopto and Kaltura stack up against Mediasite in content management? Read our detailed comparisons here: Panopto Vs. Mediasite and Kaltura Vs. Mediasite.

#10. How do Virtual Grand Rounds platforms ensure high-quality video and audio?

Virtual Grand Rounds platforms ensure high-quality video and audio through adaptive streaming, which dynamically adjusts resolution and bitrate based on participants’ internet speed, ensuring smooth playback.

Mediasite enhances this with integrated hardware recording solutions like Pro Recorders and portable Mobile Recorders. These recorders capture professional-grade audio and video in real-time, optimizing video clarity and eliminating background noise to ensure superior communication.  Combined with automated uploads and seamless LMS integration, Mediasite ensures reliable, high-quality content delivery for virtual Grand Rounds.

#11. How can we improve audience engagement in virtual Grand Rounds?

Improving audience engagement in virtual Grand Rounds requires adopting interactive techniques and leveraging technology to create dynamic and inclusive experiences. Key strategies include:

• Interactive Polls and Q&A Sessions: Use live polls and real-time Q&A to keep the audience actively involved and ensure their voices are heard.
• Dynamic Presentations: Use multimedia-rich content such as videos, animations, and case studies to maintain attention.
• Gamification: Introduce quizzes or knowledge-check activities to create a more engaging and participatory environment.
• Post-Session Surveys and Feedback: Collect input from attendees to refine content and delivery, ensuring future sessions resonate better.

Did you know that platforms like Mediasite offer interactive tools like quizzes, Q&A, polls, and integrated chat options to keep learners engaged? Learn more here – Enghouse Mediasite AI-powered Features.

#12. How can we ensure accessibility for participants with disabilities in virtual Grand Rounds?

To make virtual Grand Rounds accessible to participants with disabilities, platforms must implement features that meet the latest accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.2. Key measures include:

• Captions and Transcripts: Provide real-time captions and downloadable transcripts for all sessions to support those with hearing impairments.
• Customizable User Interfaces: Offer adjustable themes, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and caption customization to accommodate diverse user needs.
• Assistive Navigation: Use keyboard shortcuts, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and QR codes for easy navigation and enhanced searchability.
• Multilingual Accessibility: Incorporate translations for captions, transcripts, and user interfaces to support a global audience.

Did you know Mediasite offers advanced accessibility features, such as dyslexia-friendly fonts, captioning in over 40 languages, and AI-generated audio descriptions, ensuring inclusive and equitable Grand Rounds experiences for all participants? Learn more about Mediasite’s accessibility features here. 

Why Mediasite is the Best Solution for Grand Rounds?

Enghouse Mediasite excels in delivering exceptional virtual and hybrid Grand Rounds solutions by combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of medical education needs. 

Its standout features include:

• Seamless Video Capture and Streaming: Capture high-definition video from any device with adaptive bitrate streaming, ensuring smooth playback across varying bandwidths.
• Immersive 360-Degree and Interactive Experiences: Transform Grand Rounds with immersive 360-degree videos, VR playback, and interactive features like polls and quizzes to boost engagement.
• Accessibility for All: Mediasite exceeds WCAG 2.2 standards, offering captions, transcripts, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and high-contrast UI themes, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
• Advanced Security: HIPAA compliance, Single Sign-On (SSO), and role-based access controls safeguard sensitive discussions, making Mediasite ideal for secure healthcare education.
• Hybrid Support with Recording Automation: Mediasite’s Pro and Mobile Recorders capture Grand Rounds in any environment, from large auditoriums to remote setups, like operation theaters, with automated uploads for seamless access.
• Comprehensive Video Management: Centralize, organize, and securely deliver Grand Rounds content through customizable portals, enhancing accessibility for on-demand and live sessions.

Ready to revolutionize your Grand Rounds? Contact us today for a personalized demo.