Articles: checklist.
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Ward rounds are complex clinical activities, and are an integral part of hospital life. Failures in care can have a direct consequence on patient safety. Recently, simulation ward rounds have allowed medical students and junior doctors to practise their skills in a safe environment, yet there is no commonly accepted and taught framework on how to conduct a ward round. ⋯ Clinical checklists have become integral to improving patient outcomes, and Dr Caldwell's checklist could be used to improve patient safety while they are in-patients. The Considerative Checklist could be a vital tool in teaching this skill to students and junior doctors, but further qualitative and quantitative research is required to investigate whether using the checklist improves student performance, learning and engagement on the wards, and whether this improves patient outcomes.