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

Abstract

Aim To map the research methods, frameworks, structures, processes and outcomes investigated to date when implementing nursing bedside shift reports (BSRs). Background 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. Evaluation A scoping review including quantitative studies written in English and retrieved from five databases was performed in 2018. Key issues 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. Conclusion 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. Implications for Nursing Management 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.

Nursing handovers and patient safety: Findings from an umbrella review

“…More funding is needed (Mardis et al, ) to transform this research area based mainly on quality improvement projects (Bressan et al, ) to a fully scientific area of investigation, where international collaborations are also needed to evaluate handover interventions in different professional cultures and systems, or by replicating studies originating in other contexts (Zadvinskis & Melnick, ). In reporting both the study protocols and the findings, it is imperative to use standardised methods of data reporting (e.g., Riesenberg et al, ) to favour accumulation of available evidence.…”

Bedside handover at the change of nursing shift: A mixed‐methods study

“…Bedside handover is associated with greater empowerment of patients, with patients feeling safer and having more confidence in staff; it also provides a space for developing personal connection, provided nurses use language that is appropriate for patients (Jeffs et al, 2013;Sand-Jecklin & Johnson, 2014;Sherman et al, 2013;Tobiano, Chaboyer, & McMurray, 2013). Even though the introduction of bedside handover is a move towards engaging with the patient as a person and care partner, it is also a complex organisational and clinical practice change (Anderson, Malone, Shanahan, & Manning, 2015;Bradley & Mott, 2014;Bressan et al, 2019;Kerr, Lu, & McKinlay, 2013). Nurses have reported varied experiences of bedside handover; for some, it was stressful (Schirm, Banz, Swartz, & Richmond, 2018;Small & Fitzpatrick, 2017), whereas others considered the more positive attributes such as the ability to assess the patient status visually, which also helped them to prioritise their workload (Maxson et al, 2012).…”

“…The introduction of bedside handover is such a significant change in practice and culture. To help patients and nurses understand how and why bedside handover is being introduced, an organisational change theory should be incorporated in the implementation plan (Bressan et al, 2019).…”

Involving mental health consumers in nursing handover: A qualitative study of nursing views of the practice and its implementation

“…The evidence suggests that the implementation of practice changes such as bedside handover in mental health settings will require additional consideration, consultation, and education, as well as specifically tailored training (Bressan et al . 2019; Olasoji et al . 2019).…”

“…There are a number of examples of successful implementation of nursing handover involving consumers in general health settings (Anderson & Mangino 2006; Bressan et al . 2019; Nelson & Massey 2010). However, there is very little literature with regard to the process of implementing handover involving consumers within mental health settings (Olasoji et al .…”