Maintain Patient Safety with Change-of-Shift Reporting

There is increased risk to patient safety if the patient hand-off is not addressed in a purposeful and organized fashion. Agencies such as The Institute of Health, Joint Commission, and the National Quality Forum stress the need for improving patient safety as well as involving the family member or trusted friend in the care of the patient.

Change-of-shift is the time when the responsibility and accountability of the patient is transferred from one care giver to another. Traditionally, this has occurred in the nurses’ station, hallway, or report room. Evidence is clear that this reporting should occur at the bedside, nurse to nurse with the patient clearly visualized and with the family present whenever possible.

Learning Objectives:
•You will be able to describe the purpose of change-of-shift report.
•You will be able to review the Joint Commission patient safety goals for hand-off of care.
•You will be able to discuss evidence to support bedside reporting.
•You will be able to identify challenges of bedside reporting.
•You will be able to review tools to assist in effective patient hand-off that meets Joint Commission requirements.

Faculty

Ingrid E. Pautz, R.N., B.S., M.A.O.M.

Ingreva Consulting, LLC