Bringing change-of-shift report to the bedside: a patient- and family-centered approach

Change-of-shift report is the time when responsibility and accountability for the care of a patient is transferred from one nurse to another. The communication that ensues during this process is linked to both patient safety and continuity of care giving. While many nurses already recognize the value of bringing report to the patient's bedside and have practiced in this manner, this remains relatively uncommon. Typically, nurse change-of-shift report has occurred at a nurses' station, conference room, or hallway and may be face to face, audio-taped, recorded on a telephone service, or in a written format. When report is given away from the bedside, the opportunity to visualize the patient and include the patient and family in an exchange of information and care planning is lost. Yet, patients and families, also stewards of patient safety, are given an opportunity to hear and participate in the exchange of information when report is brought to the bedside. Welcoming patients and families into the report process may be a new and challenging process for nursing staff.