Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Feb 2021)
Changes to a Shift Reporting Sheet on a Critical Care Unit—Nurse Perceptions and Lessons Learned
Abstract
Rebecca McClay,1 Jessica Natividad,2 Michael Mileski3 1School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, American Public University System, Charles Town, WV, USA; 2Mother-Baby Unit, Midland Memorial Hospital, Midland, TX, USA; 3School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USACorrespondence: Michael MileskiTexas State University, School of Health Administration, 601 University Drive, Encino Hall— 250, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USATel +1 512 245 3556Email [email protected]: Improved perception and compliance with timely completion of the shift summary tool by bedside critical care nurses, and standardization of reported patient condition and treatment variables can be accomplished through collaboration and evidence-based modifications.Materials and Methods: The IOWA Model was used as a framework to implement change in the population of practicing bedside nurses. In accordance with the AACN Healthy Work Environment standards, the population was given opportunity to complete surveys on a Likert scale to construct a best-fit instrument specific to the nurses’ home units.Results: Employee satisfaction with the report process increased, compliance with completion of the form increased, and satisfaction with consistency and facilitation was noted by nursing managers.Conclusion: Focusing on frequently used items, or identifiable bottlenecks in communications, are likely to have the fastest and most impactful results for change. Workflows can be streamlined by using stakeholder input and feedback to clearly define the desired parameters and outcomes from the process.Keywords: nursing, nursing perceptions, change of shift, critical care
