Greater accountability in nursing handover

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Nursing handover is crucial for patient safety and reflects professional integrity.
• Effective handover relies on established structures, processes, and updated guidelines.
• Current practices highlight a need for enhanced educational support and accountability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the necessity of structured guidelines for nursing handover.
• To advocate for educational support for nurses in handover procedures.
• To promote shared professional accountability in maintaining handover quality.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of existing handover practices.
• Discussion of the role of professional ethics in patient handovers.
• Exploration of shared responsibility models for handover quality.

Main Results:

• Structured processes and updated guidelines are fundamental for effective nursing handover.
• Educational support is essential for nurses to perform optimal handover practices.
• Shared accountability between nurse managers and bedside nurses improves handover consistency.

Conclusions:

• Nursing handover quality is contingent upon clear guidelines, robust processes, and adequate training.
• Professional accountability must be cultivated and shared among all nursing staff and management.
• Implementing these elements ensures ethical nursing practice and upholds professional integrity.