Transitioning Nurse-to-Nurse Report to the Bedside

Title: Transitioning Nurse-to-Nurse Report to the Bedside

Authors: Jessica Pott BA, RN, Cheryl Eckert, RN, Katy Gudritz, MS, RN, Lea Chansard, RN, Jill Gibbons, BSN, RN, Carol Kristofik, BSN, RN, MBA , MBA

Purpose:

Increase patient and family participation in care by inviting them to be a part of the nurse-to-nurse report process. 

Background:

Patient and Family Centered Care principles are incorporated into nursing care at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in the University of Michigan Health System.  The new Children’s Hospital opened in December of 2011.  The Adult Bone Marrow Transplant unit moved to join the children’s Bone Marrow Transplant program and clinic.  Current practices in the children’s hospital involve family participation in report, but the adult units are just starting to hear about Patient and Family Centered Care Principles.  The Adult Bone Marrow Transplant unit was the first adult unit to adopt these practices.

Method:

We created a nurse-to-nurse report model based on current literature showing the benefits of this method.  The idea was introduced to the staff with a series of short Powerpoint presentations to familiarize them with concept and rationale.   We identified staff “Superusers” to promote staff buy-in and compliance.  Education materials were developed for patients and families, and gave them a chance to opt in or out of the process.  PFCC committee members and unit leadership were on hand during the transition period for reinforcement.

Results:

Results will be measured through decrease in communication related incident reports, higher patient satisfaction reports through discharge surveys, higher staff satisfaction through employee engagement results and decrease in patient falls.  The results of this study can be used throughout the health system and other health systems to guide nurses as they incorporate patient and family centered care.