One significant change I have noticed is a reduction in past due medication error after implementing the updated bedside shift report (BSR). Staff now open the electronic health records during BSR. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the significant elements of a BSR after introducing the nurses to the patient are open the electronic health record at the bedside.
      A nurse performs electronic health record assessment to review the medication administration record and check all medications that have been supplied and documented correctly, vital signs, intake and outputs, etc. During this time, the patient can clarify questions about the medication, its use, and side effects and set short and long term aims with the nurse. Understanding that the nursing staff is receiving the information required to promote care reduces patient and family anxiety and enhances patient satisfaction. This sort of shift report improves staff interaction while assuring nurse responsibility (Lippincott Solutions, 2017).While bedside shift reports, the nurses have the opportunity to clarify relevant information and watch the patient physically, including drains, tubes, intravenous medications, and wounds, which work as an essential evaluation to enhance patient safety. Better interaction also helps the oncoming nurse prioritize duties according to requirements. Nurses are constantly on the same side during the report because they’re both looking at the same information at the same time (Lippincott Solutions, 2017).
References
Lippincott Solutions (2017). Bedside Shift Reports Can Save Lives. Retrieved from http://lippincottsolutions.lww.com/blog.entry.html/2017/11/17/bedside_shift_report-dMev.html