Handing Off Safety at the Bedside.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Patient Safety Research
• Healthcare Communication

Background:

• Nursing bedside shift report (NBSR) is recommended for enhancing patient safety.
• The specific mechanisms by which NBSR impacts patient safety remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe how bedside nurses utilize NBSR to ensure patient safety.
• To understand the process through which NBSR contributes to risk reduction.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Data were collected from bedside nurses in a pediatric unit between 2014 and 2015.
• The study focused on units with an established NBSR process.

Main Results:

• The primary mechanism identified is the conveyance of the patient's story between shifts, reducing the risk of harm.
• A bedside perspective is crucial for nurses to identify and address patient risks.
• The execution of nursing shift reports significantly influences patient safety outcomes.

Conclusions:

• NBSR is a vital process for improving patient safety by facilitating effective communication.
• Targeting nursing communication strategies, particularly through NBSR, can enhance patient safety.
• The bedside nurse's perspective is fundamental in mitigating risks and ensuring continuity of care.