COASTing Through Bedside Report: An Innovative Approach to Safe Transitions of Care

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Bedside shift reports enhance patient satisfaction, accountability, communication, and reduce safety events.
• The practice of bedside reporting was inconsistent before the pandemic and halted due to PPE limitations and exposure risks.
• Standardized communication protocols are crucial for effective patient handoffs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize bedside shift reporting using a structured communication tool.
• To improve patient safety outcomes through enhanced handoff procedures.
• To re-implement and sustain bedside reporting practices post-pandemic.

Main Methods:

• The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice guided the project.
• Literature and safety data were reviewed to identify key communication themes.
• The COAST (code status, oxygen, access, safety, tubes/drains) acronym was developed for standardized bedside report content.

Main Results:

• Compliance with COAST elements increased during pilot and sustainment periods.
• Improvements were observed in safety outcomes, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation wristband application and falls.
• A notable decline in overtime hours was recorded.

Conclusions:

• Standardized bedside reporting focusing on safety elements improves adoption and patient safety.
• Structured communication during handoffs is effective in enhancing clinical practice.
• The COAST framework provides a viable model for consistent and safe patient bedside reports.