Discussion
We report several key findings of this ancillary project from a multicentre randomised controlled trial that investigated sensitive topics and specific elements recorded during ward round communication: (1) Sensitive topics arose frequently during ward rounds, with more than half of patients reporting at least one specific issue. Participants reporting a sensitive topic were more complex in their treatment and required more attention from medical staff, making ward rounds longer and more demanding compared with individuals without a sensitive topic; (2) medical uncertainty was the most frequent sensitive topic; (3) the presence of sensitive topics in patients was associated with being less satisfied overall with their care; (4) risk factors for low satisfaction among patients with sensitive topics included several parameters regarding patient–physician interaction during the ward round (various disagreements)—highlighting the importance of patient-centred communication.Several results of the analysis provide important information and are worth further discussion. Many issues could benefit from special attention, but often take time and may not fit into the ward round time-schedule. However, it is important to address them, as patients may feel unheard and dissatisfied if these topics are not discussed (see an example of a social issue from qualitative analysis in 