We are listening - at bedside clinical handover

 

Paula

Monklands District General Hospital is committed to providing safe and effective person-centred care to all of our patients, all of the time.

We often test different approaches and methods in order to improve how we achieve this. Typically, the ward nursing team meet at the “nurse station” or “duty room” to discuss patient care and handover at a shift change. Ward 6 nursing staff have been testing a new approach by conducting the clinical handover at the patient’s bedside.

This new approach has significant benefits for both staff and patients. Staff introduce themselves at the beginning of the shift so patient’s know who will be caring for them.

Safe - checks can be completed and confirmed with the patient, such as, name band,  allergies, medicines, fluid and food intake as well as a physical inspection of invasive medical devices such as “cannulas” (small plastic tubes into a vein that are used to give fluids or medicines).

Effective – the time taken by staff to complete their handover in this way is comparable to the traditional approach, but the potential benefits are significant for staff and patients. Patients are well informed and have the latest information about their treatment; they are reassured that they can ask questions about their care at routine times during the day in addition to the doctor’s ward round. Any issues are identified early and are addressed within good time.

Person-centred – this approach enables our patients to be partners in their care, to ask questions and confirm that they understand what has happened and what is planned for their care. Patients can choose not to have their care discussed openly at the bedside during a handover.

Some recent feedback about bedside clinical handover from Ward 6 patients:

“I don’t always take in what the consultants are saying because of my medicines, so it’s good to have the nurses update me regularly”.

“confidentiality isn’t a problem”.

 “gives you the opportunity to get an update on your condition and ask questions if you’re worried about anything”.

“it’s very thorough, I’m able to discuss my medication”.

If you have an experience of Monklands District General Hospital you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk

All of your feedback is listened to, shared with staff, considered and acted on.