Lessons learned from the implementation of a bedside handoff model

At the University of Colorado Hospital, nurse-to-nurse shift reports traditionally occurred in a conference room setting and consisted of nurse-to-nurse verbal communication. Evidence supports moving this information exchange to the patient bedside. This model of report improves clinical effectiveness, patient safety, nurse efficiency, and staff satisfaction. Bedside reporting empowers patients and families to ask questions and contribute to their plan of care and increases patient satisfaction. This article describes the process of implementing and evaluating a model of nurse-to-nurse bedside handoff report.