Bedside shift handover implementation quantitative evidence: Findings from a scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Bedside shift reports (BSRs) are increasingly implemented by nurse managers (NMs) to enhance nursing surveillance and reduce adverse events.
• Limited evidence synthesis exists regarding BSR research methods, theoretical frameworks, and outcomes to guide NM decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively map research methods, frameworks, structures, processes, and outcomes associated with nursing bedside shift report (BSR) implementation.
• To provide evidence-based insights for nurse managers regarding BSR implementation strategies and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of quantitative studies published in English was conducted.
• Studies were identified through searches of five major databases in 2018.
• Twenty-two studies from the USA, Australia, Finland, and Sweden were included, primarily from medical/surgical units.

Main Results:

• BSR implementation predominantly utilized organizational change theories, patient safety models, and nursing conceptual models.
• Outcomes were measured across patient, nurse, and organizational levels, with reported positive trends.
• Studies documented successful transitions from traditional handovers to BSRs, focusing on implementation processes and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• BSR implementation should be guided by organizational change theory, with adequate training and support for clinical nurses.
• Comprehensive outcome measurement at patient, nurse, and organizational levels is crucial for evaluating the impact of BSR implementation.
• Continued research is needed to further refine BSR practices and support evidence-based decision-making for nurse managers.