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A reflective evaluation of patient handover practices
Stephanie Davies1, Michael J Priestley
1Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service, Royal Hospital Haslar and Fort Blockhouse, Gosport, Hampshire. sierradelta@hotmail.com
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|February 18, 2006
Summary
Improving patient handover requires effective communication strategies. A new handover sheet, developed with nurses, enhances information exchange, leading to better patient care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Communication
- Patient Safety
Background:
- The patient handover process is critical for continuity of care.
- Current handover practices can be affected by time constraints and documentation challenges.
- Understanding the phenomenology of handover is essential for identifying areas for improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore approaches to improve the patient handover process.
- To address issues related to time management, documentation, and the subjective experience (phenomenology) of handover.
- To develop a tool to maximize communication during handover.
Main Methods:
- Personal reflection on the patient handover process.
- Development of a handover sheet with a nursing team.
- Observation of patients, review of documentation, and listening to handover presentations.
Main Results:
- A handover sheet was created to enhance communication.
- The study highlights the importance of observation and listening during handover.
- Nurses can improve handover through specific, actionable methods.
Conclusions:
- Effective patient handover is crucial for safe and efficient care delivery.
- Utilizing a structured handover sheet and active listening can optimize communication.
- Improved handover processes directly contribute to enhanced patient care outcomes.
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