Bedside Shift Report

What is a Bedside Shift Report?

A Bedside Shift Report transfers patient information between nurses at the end of their shift at the patient's bedside. This practice involves the oncoming nurse receiving a verbal report from the off-going nurse while both are present with the patient. It allows for more effective communication and collaboration between nurses and involving patients and their families in their care.

This reporting method has gained popularity recently due to its potential benefits for patient safety, nurse satisfaction, and overall quality of care. Healthcare research has demonstrated that bedside shift reports can improve patient outcomes, including shorter hospital stays and fewer medical errors.

A Dorvil (2018) study found that bedside shift reports enhanced patient safety, satisfaction, and nurse communication and collaboration. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also recommends implementing this approach to improve patient outcomes and involve patients and families in their care.

Moreover, utilizing Bedside Shift Report templates in nursing practice has also been linked to increased patient satisfaction scores and improved nurse-patient relationships (Radtke, 2013). This is because the patient and family can participate in their care and ask questions or voice concerns during the report.

Alternatively, if you are a nurse or caregiver, you may choose to utilize an End of Shift Report. These focus on reporting critical incidents and challenges and provide feedback for those about to enter the next shift.

The importance of a Bedside Shift Report

Here are some key reasons why Bedside Shift Reports are crucial in healthcare:

• Improved nurse-patient communication: By involving the patient and their family in the report, you can obtain ongoing feedback on the care provided. This leads to a better understanding of the patient's needs and preferences, improving satisfaction levels.
• Enhanced patient safety: Reporting at the bedside lets you immediately identify and correct any potential errors or safety concerns, reducing the risk of adverse events and medical errors.
• Better nurse outcomes: Bedside Shift Reports have been associated with increased job satisfaction and decreased nurse burnout rates. They also improve teamwork and collaboration among healthcare providers, resulting in a more positive work environment.
• Involving patients and families in their care: They also empower patients and their families to be more involved in their care, increasing satisfaction and improving outcomes.
• Continuity of care: With Bedside Shift Reports, the oncoming nurse can get a comprehensive overview of the patient's condition, care plan, and ongoing issues or concerns. This promotes continuity of care and ensures that all important information is handed over accurately.

How to use Carepatron's Bedside Shift Report

Carepatron's free nurse Bedside Shift Report is easy to use and fully digital. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Obtain the template

Download the free bedside report template using the link on this page. You can also get a copy from the Carepatron app or our resources library.

Step 2: Print or use the digital format

You can print or use the template digitally on a tablet or laptop. The digital format allows for easy editing and sharing with other healthcare providers.

Step 3: Fill in patient information

Start by filling in the patient's name, room number, and essential identifiers such as allergies or medical conditions. This helps ensure that the information is accurate and specific to the patient.

Step 4: Document vital signs

Record the patient's vital signs in the nurse shift report, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. This provides a snapshot of the patient's condition for easy reference during shift handover.

Step 5: Note any changes or concerns

Document any changes in the patient's condition or concerns that must be addressed during the shift. Include any updates on medication or treatment plans.

Step 6: Double-check your report

Investigating bedside nursing report worksheets is vital to ensure accuracy and promote patient safety. Double-check your report before handing it over to the oncoming nurse.

Step 6: Share with the oncoming nurse

Once done checking, share the completed Bedside Shift Report with the oncoming nurse during shift handover. The report makes it easier to discuss the patient's condition and any changes or concerns that must be addressed.

We have created a sample Bedside Shift Report to showcase how our template can be used in practice. This sample report includes all the necessary information and provides a clear structure for documenting patient updates and concerns. You can view the sample here or download a PDF copy for reference.

When should this report template be used?

You can use nursing bedside shift reports at any healthcare facility where bedside shift reports are being implemented. This nurse report suits hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other settings where nurses communicate patient updates during handover.

Here are several scenarios  where using this report template is useful:

• When a new nurse takes over care: You can give the oncoming nurse the completed report to provide an overview of the patient's condition. This will help them understand the patient's current state and address any concerns or changes in their care plan.
• In medical emergencies:  With this report, you can quickly access essential patient information and provide timely treatment during emergencies.
• During physician rounds: This report keeps physicians updated on the patient's progress and any changes in their care plan, making it easier to make informed decisions about their treatment.
• For improved nurse-patient communication: By utilizing bedside shift reports, nurses can communicate directly with patients and their families. This enhances the nurse-patient relationship and improves patient satisfaction scores.
• To obtain ongoing nursing feedback: With bedside reporting, you can provide feedback to colleagues about the patient's status and any updates in their care plan. This allows for better coordination among healthcare professionals and ultimately improves patient outcomes.

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.). Nurse bedside shift report: Implementation handbook. https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/systems/hospital/engagingfamilies/strategy3/Strat3_Implement_Hndbook_508.pdf

Dorvil, B. (2018). The secrets to successful nurse bedside shift report implementation and sustainability. Nursing Management, 49(6), 20-25. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000533770.12758.44

Pressley, C., & Garside, J. (2023). Safeguarding the retention of nurses: A systematic review on determinants of nurse's intentions to stay. Nursing Open, 10(5), 2842-2858. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1588

Radtke, K. (2013). Improving patient satisfaction with nursing communication using bedside shift reports. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 27(1), 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1097/NUR.0b013e3182777011