Griffith University Research Centre for Clinical Practice Innovation, Queensland Health Patient Safety Centre and Peel Health Campus, Western Australia
Communication of patient information, both within and between professional groups, is key to ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. The aims of this project were to describe the structures, processes and outcomes of bedside nursing handover and whiteboard assisted communication as two strategies to improve the type and accuracy of information communicated among health professionals. Bedside handovers were seen to improve accuracy and promote patient-centred care. When successfully implemented, whiteboards were perceived to be useful prompts for referral and timely discharge, however unsuccessfully implemented, it was seen as an imposition of management and a cause of conflict between members of the multidisciplinary team.Tools
- Bedside handover - Standard Operating Protocol (PDF 194 KB)
Whiteboard communication - Standard Operating Protocol (PDF 202 KB)
