Jeffs L, et al. J Nurs Care Qual Self-report Nurses were interviewed by trained research assistants on previously conducted bedside shift report implementation. They were asked to describe the benefits and negative outcomes associated with the face-to-face interactions with nursing colleagues and patients. This qualitative study was undertaken in an inner-city, acute care teaching hospital. A total of 43 interviews were conducted with female participants from the following 4 clinical cohorts: general surgery (n=16), nephrology (n=10), obstetrics and gynecology (n=10), and respirology (n=7). Two key themes emerged: 1) clarifying information and intercepting errors and 2) visualizing patients and prioritizing care. The opportunity for patients to ask questions during the shift reporting process was also perceived positively by many nurses. Nurses were able to respond to errors more quickly. Being able to address errors and safety issues “in the moment” by nurses and patients during shift handover was viewed positively by study participants. Reporting at the bedside enabled nurses to do an initial quick assessment of each of their patients, which they viewed as a more accountable and accurate method of exchanging information on the patient’s status and it also allowed them to prioritize care on their shifts. Johnson M, Cowin LS. J Nurs Manag Self-report The study utilized a focus group methodology that provided a vehicle to interview and consequently explore clinicians’ ideas about communication in the workplace as a nursing team. Six groups were conducted in medical and wards at three major metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Between four and seven nurses agreed to participate in each of the six focus groups held in medical and surgical wards (30 participants overall). The themes that emerged were bedside handover strengths and weaknesses, good communication is about good communicators, and patient involvement in handover. Some nurses indicated that the bedside handover environment was disruptive and noisy. Most nurses believed that confidentiality issues with bedside handover were minimal and easily managed. Some nurses were active in involving the patient and found that appropriate, while others were not convinced or actively discouraged patient involvement by delivering handover at the door rather than the bedside. Using the verbal handover, written handover, and nursing notes was sometimes confusing and frustrating for nurses. Other issues identified were that the written handover sheet supports continuity of care,
focused on perceived benefits and limitations of bedside handoff. They used thematic content analysis of interview scripts. 30 patients (18 male and 12 female) who had witnessed a nursing bedside shift-to-shift handover were studied. participation in bedside handoff does not compromise privacy or confidentiality. Patients felt that bedside handoff gave them an opportunity to contribute information, increased their confidence in nursing, and was important. They expressed that bedside handoff should occur as privately as possible and discretion should be used for sensitive issues. Klee K, et al. J Ped Nurs Self-report and Process Continuous performance improvement process over a 4-year period (2006-2009) to standardize shift-to-shift handoff communication using RPIWs. Nursing staff at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington (number of participants in research was not specified). At thirty days post implementation, 48% of staff agreed that the information received was organized and thorough, which rose to 98% at 60 days. At 60 days, the response to “were all of the components of the standardized report covered using a reliable source?” was 100%, and it stayed >80% for 90 days, 6 month, and 12 month time points. Use of a reliable source to decrease and, in 2009, a second RPIW was conducted. In 2009, at the conclusion of a second workshop, 87% of nurses were following the standard sequence and 70% were completing handoff in 30 minutes. Five weeks later those percentages rose to 93% and 77% respectively. A 20% reduction in end of overtime was observed. 70% of family members reported being involved in the discussion of plan of care and 50% reported that increased involvement was valuable. Laws D, S. Rehabil Nurs Self-report A pre-implementation survey was administered, followed by an in-service lecture which was given to the nursing staff to educate them about bedside reports. A post-implementation survey was administered to nurses 4 All nurses working in the stroke rehabilitation unit at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio (number of participants in research was not specified). After the 4-month implementation period the percent agreement that bedside reporting: improved safety, included patient discussion, promotes teamwork, and held staff accountable all increased. Of note, more staff also agreed that bedside reporting violates patient confidentiality after 4 months.