Bedside Report
Bedside Shift Report
Description of the Topic and Problem Policies and procedures are review, revamp and implement constantly in health care facilities to ensure safe patient care is being deliver. Effective communication is a critical part in providing safe patient care. Usefulness communication is essential during shift report in order to provide safe care and meet goals for the patient. There is a trend where hospitals are bringing shift report to the bedside in order to improve the effectiveness of communication between the nurses. At Kaiser Santa Clara, the facility I currently work at, has a standard policy and procedure regarding the handoff communication during shift change, according to the policy the two nurses are to review information that is standardized to the following:
• Diagnoses and current condition of the patient
• Medications given or due
• Isolation status
• Recent changes in condition or treatment
• Anticipated changes in condition for treatment
• What to watch for in the next interval of care
The purpose of the policy is to provide an interactive dialogue that allows for up-to-date information on the patient’s care. The policy is referenced to the Joint Commission-mandated focus on improving patient safety through effective caregiver communication. According to the Joint Commission, as estimated 80% of serious medical errors are attributable to miscommunication between caregivers when transferring responsibly for patients (Wakefield, Ragan, Brandt & Tregnago, 2012). Shift report happens two, three, or more times in a day, but nurses receive little formal training in this vital responsibility. Nurses may be found legally liable for failing to report necessary information during handoffs (Riesenberg, Leitzsch, & Cunningham, 2010). Therefore, it is imperative for a handoff procedure incorporate an effective way to communicate in order to provide safe patient care.
Review of the Literature Traditionally, shift report has been
Description of the Topic and Problem Policies and procedures are review, revamp and implement constantly in health care facilities to ensure safe patient care is being deliver. Effective communication is a critical part in providing safe patient care. Usefulness communication is essential during shift report in order to provide safe care and meet goals for the patient. There is a trend where hospitals are bringing shift report to the bedside in order to improve the effectiveness of communication between the nurses. At Kaiser Santa Clara, the facility I currently work at, has a standard policy and procedure regarding the handoff communication during shift change, according to the policy the two nurses are to review information that is standardized to the following:
• Diagnoses and current condition of the patient
• Medications given or due
• Isolation status
• Recent changes in condition or treatment
• Anticipated changes in condition for treatment
• What to watch for in the next interval of care
The purpose of the policy is to provide an interactive dialogue that allows for up-to-date information on the patient’s care. The policy is referenced to the Joint Commission-mandated focus on improving patient safety through effective caregiver communication. According to the Joint Commission, as estimated 80% of serious medical errors are attributable to miscommunication between caregivers when transferring responsibly for patients (Wakefield, Ragan, Brandt & Tregnago, 2012). Shift report happens two, three, or more times in a day, but nurses receive little formal training in this vital responsibility. Nurses may be found legally liable for failing to report necessary information during handoffs (Riesenberg, Leitzsch, & Cunningham, 2010). Therefore, it is imperative for a handoff procedure incorporate an effective way to communicate in order to provide safe patient care.
Review of the Literature Traditionally, shift report has been