Patient Perception of Involvement in Nursing Bedside Handover: A Cross-Sectional Study

In Australia, aligned to safety and quality standards, the health system implements standardised practices that include patient involvement in nursing bedside handover. Despite this mandate, it remains unclear whether patients are genuinely participating in nursing bedside handovers and whether their perspectives are being considered.

To explore patient perceptions of their involvement in nursing bedside handovers.

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in two acute metropolitan hospitals in Western Australia from July 2021 to March 2022. The survey administered to patients, comprised three sections: demographic information; involvement in bedside handover; and perceptions of bedside handovers; utilising close-ended and Likert scale questions. Open-ended questions further explored participation in bedside handovers. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed and responses to open-ended questions underwent summative deductive content analysis.

Of the 390 participants, over half reported five or more bedside handovers (n = 197, 50.7%). Most perceived the importance of (n = 334, 79.0%), and expressed their satisfaction with (n = 327, 89.6%), involvement in bedside handover. Perceptions of handover were mostly positive. There were a few significant differences throughout based on type of hospital, gender and age-group. Open ended responses shared perceptions on the perceived benefits, challenges and barriers and ways to enhance involvement in bedside handover. Patients expressed several challenges, including lack of awareness of their right to participate, the approach of nurses and the timing of handovers as hindering their participation in bedside handovers.

Patients perceived the importance of, were mostly satisfied with, and had positive perceptions of bedside handover. However, several challenges hindered effective patient participation. Further research is needed into bedside handover as it is essential to enhance patient-centred quality care that aligns with national safety and quality healthcare standards.

Understanding the significance of patient involvement in bedside handovers motivates patients to actively share information about their care, leading to increased patient satisfaction and the promotion of patient-centred care. Addressing challenges through targeted strategies can enhance patient participation, communication, increased patient satisfaction and foster a more patient-centred approach to care.

The conduct of this study was supported by the consumer advisory group in the participating hospitals who also reviewed the survey questionnaires and conducted face validity of the survey.