Staff perception of patient discharge from ICU to ward-based care.

BACKGROUND: The quality of information exchange between intensive care unit (ICU) and ward nurses, when patients are transferred out of intensive care, is important to the continuity of safe care. AIM: This research aimed to explore nurses' experiences of the discharge process from ICU to the ward environment.
DESIGN: The study was conducted in a New Zealand Metropolitan hospital, using an exploratory descriptive design we adapted a questionnaire based on Whittaker and Ball's research on ICU patient handover.
METHOD: The questionnaires were then analysed using a descriptive thematic approach.
RESULTS: The response rate of 48% included 45 ICU and 47 ward nurses. Key findings were that the written and verbal communication needs differ dependent upon setting and the timing of a discharge. Timing of handover also requires negotiation.
CONCLUSIONS: Being able to negotiate the timing and nature of handover is important for nurses. In addition, standardized approaches to communication are believed to enhance patient safety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Standardized handover, with content and processes that are mutually negotiated, is crucial to providing the safest environment for patients.