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

To map the research methods, frameworks, structures, processes and outcomes investigated to date when implementing nursing bedside shift reports (BSRs).

BSRs have become an area of increased interest among nurse managers (NMs) with several projects aiming at implementing bedside reports also as a strategy to increase nursing surveillance and reduce adverse events. However, to date, no summary of the available evidence has been provided with regard to research methods, theoretical frameworks underpinning BSR implementation and outcomes aiming at supporting NM decision-making in this field.

A scoping review including quantitative studies written in English and retrieved from five databases was performed in 2018.

Twenty-two studies originating from USA, Australia, Finland and Sweden, largely monocentric in nature and involving mainly medical/surgery units, have been performed to date. BSR implementation has been conducted mainly under organisational change theories, patient safety and nursing conceptual models. The BSR outcomes have been measured at the patient, nurse and organisational levels and reported positive trends.

Professional reports-describing success transitions from traditional methods of handover to BSRs, and scientific studies aimed at improving evidence in the field, have been conducted to date, in order to document BSR implementation processes and outcomes.

BSRs should be designed and conducted under a theory of organisational change; moreover, clinical nurses should be trained and supported in the transition from the traditional shift report to the BSR; while implementing this transition, outcomes should be set at the patient, nurses and organisational levels with the aim of tracing the comprehensive effects of the change.