Bedside Report In The Hospital Is A Relatively New Tool

Bedside Report In The Hospital Is Relatively A New Tool Gone Are The

Bedside report in the hospital is relatively a new tool. Gone are the days where nurses would record report, or the new shift would come on go into a conference room and hear report, or you and the oncoming nurse would give/hear report that could take 1/2 hr or so. Now, it is bedside reporting. You and the other nurse go into a patient's room and do report. I have been in many hospitals, and know that many nurses drag his/her feet in doing bedside reporting, and do not want to do it. Please comment whether you are for or against (and why), and the pros and cons of bedside reporting.

Paper For Above instruction

Bedside reporting has become a standard practice in many hospitals, replacing traditional methods where nurses would relay patient information away from the patient's bedside, often in conference rooms or through written reports. This shift aims to enhance transparency, patient involvement, and safety, positioning bedside reporting as a vital component of contemporary nursing practice. However, despite its potential benefits, implementation is met with mixed reactions among nursing staff, and some resist its adoption.

Advantages of Bedside Reporting

One of the primary advantages of bedside reporting is increased patient safety. By involving patients directly in their care discussions, nurses ensure that patients understand their treatment plans, medication schedules, and ongoing care needs. For example, when nurses share information at the bedside, patients can clarify misunderstandings, ask questions, and participate meaningfully, thus reducing errors and miscommunications (Joosten et al., 2014). Moreover, bedside reporting fosters transparency and accountability among nurses, as they must discuss patient status openly in the presence of the patient. This openness can enhance trust and therapeutic relationships, leading to better patient satisfaction (Williams, 2016).

Another critical benefit is the promotion of accurate communication. Traditionally, report dissemination may be prone to omissions or misinterpretations during written or verbal reports away from the bedside. Bedside reporting requires nurses to verify details directly with the patient and for each other, reducing discrepancies. Furthermore, it encourages consistency in documentation and helps onboard new staff more effectively by observing real-time interactions and care plans (Miller et al., 2017).

Challenges and Drawbacks of Bedside Reporting

Despite these benefits, bedside reporting presents several challenges that contribute to nurse resistance. One significant concern is privacy. Sensitive patient information may be uncomfortable to discuss openly, especially with family members or visitors present. Nurses worry about confidential information being overheard, which could breach patient privacy regulations and reduce the comfort levels for honest communication (Woods et al., 2015).

Another issue is time management. Critics argue that bedside reporting might prolong shift handovers, as discussions can become more detailed when involving the patient and family members. Nurses might feel that this added time could detract from direct patient care activities or other responsibilities. Conversely, proponents argue that any slight increase in handover duration is offset by the reduction in errors and improved patient engagement.

Nurses' attitudes toward bedside reporting vary. Some fear that it might be disruptive or uncomfortable, while others believe it enhances patient-centered care. Resistance may also stem from habitual routines, workload pressures, or fear of increased scrutiny from patients and families. It is crucial for healthcare institutions to address these concerns through proper training, establishing clear privacy protocols, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of bedside reporting (Johnson et al., 2018).

Balancing the Pros and Cons

Ultimately, the effectiveness of bedside reporting depends on how it is implemented. Proper training on communication skills, safeguarding confidentiality, and managing time efficiently are vital. When done correctly, bedside reporting can foster a collaborative environment where patients feel valued, informed, and engaged in their care. This approach aligns with the core principles of patient-centered care and evidence-based practice in nursing.

In conclusion, while bedside reporting offers significant advantages such as improved communication, safety, and patient satisfaction, it also presents challenges related to privacy and time management. Addressing these concerns through strategic planning and staff education can enhance its acceptability and effectiveness, ultimately leading to higher-quality nursing care and better patient outcomes.

References

• Joosten, J., Van Hove, G., & Van Hecke, A. (2014). The impact of bedside nursing handover on patient safety. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 29(2), 134–139.
• Williams, S. (2016). Enhancing patient satisfaction through bedside reporting. Journal of Nursing Practice, 32(7), 567–572.
• Miller, K., Johnson, A., & Lee, D. (2017). Communication and safety: The role of bedside handovers. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(15-16), 2338–2346.
• Woods, J., Campbell, G., & Marmor, A. (2015). Privacy considerations in bedside reporting: Balancing confidentiality and transparency. Nursing Ethics, 22(3), 306–318.
• Johnson, R., Carter, S., & Smith, L. (2018). Overcoming barriers to bedside reporting in hospitals. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 84, 1–8.
• McMurray, A., & Clendon, J. (2011). Patient safety and bedside handover strategies. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, 27(2), 10–16.
• Moore, G., & Kelly, M. (2019). Nurse attitudes towards bedside handovers: A qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(13-14), 2556–2565.
• Schmidt, F., & Rauscher, E. (2020). Privacy and ethical issues in bedside reporting. Nursing Ethics, 27(2), 344–356.
• Rattray, J., & Steel, N. (2021). Implementing bedside handover: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(3), 1230–1243.
• Singh, S., & Choudhary, R. (2017). The influence of bedside reporting on patient outcomes: An integrative review. Nursing Open, 4(4), 147–155.