The factors to be considered when evaluating bedside handover

Abstract

Aim: This paper sought to identify the factors that should be considered in the study of bedside handover at the change of nursing shift.

Background: The introduction of bedside handover at the change of nursing shift has been linked to increased patient safety; bedside handover is not a simple change of location but a fundamental change in nursing practice.

Method: An integrative review of the literature was performed, to identify factors that should be considered when exploring and describing the process and content of nursing handover when performed at the patient bedside.

Results: Nursing handover conducted at the patient's bedside is different to other forms of clinical handover in that the patient is part of the process. A dedicated tool is required to comprehensively study and understand the complexities of the bedside handover at the change of nursing shift.

Conclusion: The factors identified in this literature review should be used to develop a tool to study the phenomenon that is nursing bedside handover.

Implications for nursing management: Handover at the change of nursing shift is a high risk, high volume nursing practice, therefore the introduction of bedside handover should be systematically studied.

Keywords: bedside handover; change of shift handover; handover; nursing handover.