The article prepared by Sand-Jecklin and Sherman (2014) deals with the changes observed after the implementation of a new form of bedside nursing report in a hospital setting. Professionals emphasized that even though there are some benefits of a blended form according to the literature for both nursing staff and their patients, previous research studies did not reveal quantified outcomes of this change. Some had a very limited sample size, which prevented generalizations.
Others also failed to test it for statistical significance. The lack of appropriate research made the authors maintain a quantitative study. They resorted to quasi-experimental design and surveys to monitor patient and nursing outcomes before and after the implementation of a blended report form. The research question used by Sand-Jecklin and Sherman (2014) was: what are quantitative outcomes of “a practice change to a blended form of bedside nursing report”? (p. 1). The sample included 233 medical-surgical patients scheduled for discharge. In addition to that 148 nurses from a medical-surgical unit participated in the study.
They all were approached at one particular setting, which was a mid-Atlantic university hospital. With the help of their surveys and after analyzing all obtained data, the researchers found out that initially, nurses were rather skeptical considering the experienced practice change. However, after its implementation, they revealed positive attitudes regarding a blended report format. It was emphasized that the number of patient falls and medication errors reduced significantly. The change also allowed avoiding nurse overtime, which affects the quality of practice.
References
Sand-Jecklin, K., & Sherman, J. (2014). A quantitative assessment of patient and nurse outcomes of bedside nursing report implementation. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23(19-20), 1-10.