Federica Dellafiore1, Cristina Arrigoni2, Anna Maria Grugnetti3, Giovanni Zaffino4, Veronica Calorenne4, Francesco Pitella5, Debora Rosa6, Rosario Caruso4. 1. Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy. 2. Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Hygiene, University of Pavia, Italy. 3. IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Hygiene, University of Pavia, Italy. 4. PhD, RN, Head of Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy. 5. Head of Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy. 6. Nursing Degree Course, University of Milan, section of Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Bedside nursing handover may be an efficient way to achieve quality nursing outcomes, supporting the personalization of care. Recent literature attests to how bedside nursing handover is perceived by cardiac patents, but the experience of nurses participating in these handovers is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to explore nurses' experiences after the implementation of bedside nursing handover in an Italian cardiac surgical ward. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive research approach was used to respond to the study aim, and the data was collected using two focus groups. RESULTS: The main themes that were identified revolved around improving nursing care, greater professionalism, effective relationships, consequences for the patient, and obstacles to change. Moreover, we found that nurses perceive bedside nursing handover to be effective in promoting patient-centred care. The nurses in our study also felt that any difficulties with the implementation of a bedside nursing handover protocol (e.g. confidentiality) should be addressed through continued nursing education. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a valuable insight into nurses' perceptions of bedside nursing handover in a single cardiac surgery setting in Italy and is the first qualitative investigation from this perspective. Further research may help to elucidate the impact of bedside nursing handover on clinical and organisational outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Bedside nursing handover may be an efficient way to achieve quality nursing outcomes, supporting the personalization of care. Recent literature attests to how bedside nursing handover is perceived by cardiac patents, but the experience of nurses participating in these handovers is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to explore nurses' experiences after the implementation of bedside nursing handover in an Italian cardiac surgical ward. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive research approach was used to respond to the study aim, and the data was collected using two focus groups. RESULTS: The main themes that were identified revolved around improving nursing care, greater professionalism, effective relationships, consequences for the patient, and obstacles to change. Moreover, we found that nurses perceive bedside nursing handover to be effective in promoting patient-centred care. The nurses in our study also felt that any difficulties with the implementation of a bedside nursing handover protocol (e.g. confidentiality) should be addressed through continued nursing education. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a valuable insight into nurses' perceptions of bedside nursing handover in a single cardiac surgery setting in Italy and is the first qualitative investigation from this perspective. Further research may help to elucidate the impact of bedside nursing handover on clinical and organisational outcomes.