Bedside Shift Change Handover Reduces Medical Errors

A new study suggests that shift transfer accountability between incoming and outgoing nurses performed at the bedside empowers patients, allowing them to become active partners in their own care.

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto, Canada) and the University of Toronto (Canada) conducted a study involving qualitative interviews with 45 patients that underwent a directed content analysis. Study participants described bedside handover as engaging, personal, and informative, but indicated the importance of recognizing and being sensitive to patients' preferences. The interviews revealed three themes through which patients described their experience with bedside nursing handover: creating a space for personal connection, "bumping up to speed," and varying preferences.

The bedside handover allowed patients to ask questions and clarify information with both incoming and outgoing nurses, relieving anxiety, improving patient satisfaction, and helping to reduce medical errors. The study also revealed that while most patients felt safer, more satisfied, and better informed of their care plan, some long-term patients did not want to participate in the twice-daily routine because their conditions had not changed from day to day. The study was published early online on November 18, 2013, in the Journal of Nursing Care Quality.

“The start and end of a nurse's shift are critical moments,” said lead author Lianne Jeffs, PhD. “Having handover take place at the bedside with patients is better for everyone, but especially for our patients. It means they have a voice, better understand their treatment, and are engaged in their care.”

Traditionally, nurses exchange patient information between shifts through recordings or verbal briefings at nursing stations. Bedside handover requires nurses to exchange pertinent patient information such as clinical conditions, allergies, and care plans with the patient in his or her room.

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St. Michael's Hospital
University of Toronto