Date of Graduation

Spring 5-17-2024

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Scout E. Hebinck

Abstract

Problem Inconsistent handoff practices during patient transfers can cause mistakes and adverse outcomes. Hospital A's peripartum unit has no set policy for Nurse Knowledge Exchange (NKE) during transfers. This project will introduce a standard handoff guide to enhance communication and prevent harmful results after patient transfers.

Context The quality improvement project was conducted in a peripartum mesosystem within an urban hospital in Northern California. This specific area of the hospital comprised 21 postpartum rooms and nine laboring rooms.

Intervention The project involved a methodical strategy that encompassed engaging stakeholders, conducting a literature review, and analyzing data to pinpoint areas for enhancing the handoff procedure. Following this evaluation, standardized handoff guides and protocols were created and put into practice. Ensuring staff received training and education guaranteed the consistent and proficient use of the updated handoff procedures.

Measures The outcome measure is the comprehensiveness of NKE assessed by a binary coding system.

Results The findings show a notable enhancement in the comprehensiveness of handoffs following the implementation of the bedside handoff guide. The proportion of NKE occurring at the bedside surged from 33.5% to 77%, while the overall completeness of NKE increased from 74% to 91%.

Conclusion Implementing standardized handoff protocols has proven effective in enhancing patient safety and care quality during transfers in the peripartum mesosystem. Ongoing monitoring and assessment will be vital for maintaining these improvements.

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