Afklaringsrunde

Afklaringsrunde is a term used in some Nordic healthcare settings to describe a structured, multidisciplinary meeting focused on clarifying a patient’s diagnosis and care plan when information is incomplete or uncertain. It is typically conducted as part of routine hospital workups or inpatient care, and may occur alongside or as a component of ward rounds and case conferences.

Purpose and scope

The primary aim of an afklaringsrunde is to confirm or refine a differential diagnosis, determine the most appropriate next steps for diagnostic testing or treatment, and, when possible, agree on a discharge plan. It emphasizes reducing diagnostic uncertainty, coordinating care across disciplines, and aligning the planned approach with the patient’s needs and goals. The process often leads to a concrete plan that guides subsequent investigations, referrals, or therapeutic interventions.

Participants and process

Participants usually include clinicians from relevant specialties (for example, internal medicine, psychiatry, or geriatrics), nurses, social workers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and sometimes psychologists. The patient and/or their family may be invited to contribute information and preferences. The round typically involves reviewing the patient’s medical record, recent test results, imaging, and examination findings, discussing possible diagnoses, and agreeing on a tentative plan and responsibilities for follow-up actions.

Outcomes and considerations

Expected outcomes include a clarified diagnosis or narrowed differential, a refined treatment plan, a defined set of next investigations or referrals, and a discharge or care-coordination plan. Challenges can include time pressures, hierarchical dynamics, and the need for clear documentation to ensure continuity of care. Structured formats and clear facilitator roles are often encouraged to enhance effectiveness.

See also: ward round, multidisciplinary team meeting, case conference.