Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Nursing Reports

Volume

15

Issue

2

Publisher

MDPI

School

School of Arts and Humanities / School of Nursing and Midwifery / Centre for Research in Aged Care

RAS ID

77918

Funders

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University / Charlies Foundation for Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group (SCGOPHCG) / Government of Western Australia, Department of Health (MRGP21-22-08) / School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University (SAH-RAS2023)

Comments

Ghosh, M., O’Connell, B., Nguyen, H. T., Coventry, L., Towell-Barnard, A., Gallagher, O., ... & Saunders, R. (2025). Patient and family involvement in nursing bedside handover: A qualitative descriptive study of consumer perceptions of nursing care. Nursing Reports, 15(2), 51. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15020051

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patient and family involvement in bedside handover is a requirement of the national standards on patient safety and quality in Australia. To ensure patient-and-family-centred care, it is essential to understand how patients and families perceive their involvement in nursing bedside handover and what difficulties they face when participating. This study aimed to explore patient and family perceptions of their involvement in nursing bedside handover. Methods: We employed a qualitative descriptive study design with in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Using purposive and convenience sampling, 24 patients and family members were recruited from two adult hospitals in Western Australia between November 2021 and February 2022. The data were thematically analysed. Results: Participants had mixed experiences that overlapped with their individual perceptions, needs, and experiences. Their responses were grouped into three major themes with sub-themes: (1) discovering new nursing care approaches; (2) seeing the value of involvement in bedside handover; and (3) barriers hindering patient and family involvement in bedside handover. The findings revealed that patients and families valued their involvement in nursing bedside handover. However, several factors challenged their participation, including a lack of awareness about their right to participate, the timing of handovers, the nurse’s approach, and fear of asking questions. Conclusions: The findings serve as a guide for evidence-based practice and may significantly influence policy and practice in nursing bedside handover, potentially enhancing patient-and-family-centred care. While considered best practice, the consistent involvement of patients and their families in nursing bedside handover is not routinely achieved and is implemented to varying extents.

DOI

10.3390/nursrep15020051

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS