Premium
Communication at the bedside to enhance patient care: A survey of nurses' experience and perspective of handover
Author(s) -
Street Maryann,
Eustace Paula,
Livingston Patricia M,
Craike Melinda J,
Kent Bridie,
Patterson Denise
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-172x.2011.01918.x
Subject(s) - handover , audit , documentation , medicine , patient safety , nursing , perspective (graphical) , medical emergency , clinical practice , health care , computer science , business , telecommunications , accounting , artificial intelligence , economics , programming language , economic growth
Street M, Eustace P, Livingston PM, Craike MJ, Kent B, Patterson D. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17 : 133–140 Communication at the bedside to enhance patient care: A survey of nurses' experience and perspective of handover Strategies to support continuity of care and improve patient safety during clinical handover have been developed. The aims of this study were to identify the strengths and limitations in current practice of nursing clinical handover and implement a new bedside handover process. A total of 259 nurses completed a cross‐sectional survey at change of shift on 1 day, which was followed by an audit of the pilot implementation of bedside handover. The survey results showed great variation in the duration, location and method of handover with significant differences in the experience of nurses employed part‐time compared with full‐time. Following implementation of standardized bedside handover on two wards, the audit revealed significant improvement in the involvement of patients, use of Situation‐Background‐Assessment‐Recommendation, active patient checks and checking of documentation. These findings suggest the use of standardized protocols and communication tools for bedside handover improve continuity of patient care.