| Description |
The nursing shift change report is an essential component of nursing practice that allows for the exchange of relevant patient information from one professional to another (Sherman et al., 2013). Report is the transfer of responsibility, accountability and authority for a patient and their care from one nurse to another (Sherman et al., 2013). Various methods of shift change report have been utilized in the nursing profession, with benefits and disadvantages to each. Bedside Shift Report (BSR) is an evidence-based method that actively involves three individuals: the off-going nurse, the oncoming nurse, and most importantly, the patient. This method of shift change report is used to increase patient involvement in their care and improve patient satisfaction (Vines et al., 2014). The BSR process includes nurses providing shift-to-shift report at the patient's bedside, with the patient present, allowing the patient to be more involved in their care (Anderson et al., 2006). Family members may also be present for bedside report, which is an extraordinary advantage for an ICU patient who is unresponsive and inherently unable to participate in their own care (Sherman et al., 2013). BSR should always include an opportunity for the patient, or family member, to ask questions and receive clarification regarding care (Sherman et al., 2013). Many benefits to BSR have been shown, including increased staff satisfaction, improved communication, reduced incidence of falls, lower medication error rates, and the facilitation of teamwork and accountability (Vines et al., 2014). Research has identified positive nursing perceptions towards report occurring at the bedside, including enhanced respect for peers, collaboration, and prioritization (Anderson et al., 2006). However, one of the most important benefits to BSR is the positive impact on patient satisfaction (Radtke, 2013). BSR allows for the promotion of relationship building between staff members and patients, allowing the patient to feel more informed, knowledgeable, and respected (Anderson et al., 2006). Patients desire updates on their health status, and progress towards their goals, and BSR provides for these opportunities on a more frequent basis throughout the hospitalization (Anderson et al., 2006). Often, patients can feel excluded from important information related to their health, and left out of decisions throughout their hospitalization (Radtke, 2013). In order to fill this gap, the BSR method incorporates patient-centered care, and typically leads to higher levels of patient satisfaction (Anderson et al., 2006) and enhanced communication among the healthcare team (Vines et al., 2014). Overall, BSR helps to connect the dots. |
