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Staff perception of patient discharge from ICU to ward‐based care
Author(s) -
James Stephen,
Quirke Sara,
McBrideHenry Karen
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
nursing in critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1478-5153
pISSN - 1362-1017
DOI - 10.1111/nicc.12001
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , intensive care unit , nursing , exploratory research , medicine , handover , intensive care , perception , negotiation , patient safety , descriptive statistics , medical emergency , qualitative research , psychology , health care , intensive care medicine , computer network , social science , statistics , mathematics , neuroscience , sociology , anthropology , computer science , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Background The quality of information exchange between intensive care unit ( ICU ) and ward nurses, when patients are transferred out of intensive care, is important to the continuity of safe care. Aim This research aimed to explore nurses' experiences of the discharge process from ICU to the ward environment. Design The study was conducted in a New Zealand Metropolitan hospital, using an exploratory descriptive design we adapted a questionnaire based on Whittaker and Ball's research on ICU patient handover. Method The questionnaires were then analysed using a descriptive thematic approach. Results The response rate of 48% included 45 ICU and 47 ward nurses. Key findings were that the written and verbal communication needs differ dependent upon setting and the timing of a discharge. Timing of handover also requires negotiation. Conclusions Being able to negotiate the timing and nature of handover is important for nurses. In addition, standardized approaches to communication are believed to enhance patient safety. Relevance to clinical practice: Standardized handover, with content and processes that are mutually negotiated, is crucial to providing the safest environment for patients.