Involving patients in their nurses’ shift change reduces errors and improves patient satisfaction

At shift change, incoming and outgoing nurses transfer accountability by exchanging information about the patients under their charge. Called bedside handover, this process empowers patients and allows them to become active partners in their own care.  

New research published shows that performing this transfer at the patient’s bedside can also reduce potential errors. 

The findings, published in the Journal of Nursing Care Quality, comprised of qualitative interviews with 45 patients, this research builds on Dr. Jeffs’ ongoing study of transitions across the health care system. Study participants described bedside handover as engaging, personal and informative but indicated the importance of recognizing and being sensitive to patients’ preferences – which can change over time and from patient to patient.

“Most patients felt safer, more satisfied and better informed of their care plan,” said Dr. Jeffs, “But some long-term patients did not want to participate in the twice-daily routine because their conditions had not changed from day to day.”

View press release here

Journal Reference:

Lianne Jeffs, Susan Beswick, Ashley Acott, Elisa Simpson, Roberta Cardoso, Heather Campbell, Terri Irwin. Patientsʼ Views on Bedside Nursing Handover. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 2013; : 1 DOI:10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000035