Date of Graduation

Spring 5-19-2016

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Elena Capella

Abstract

A microsystem assessment of two inpatient medical-surgical wards in a medical facility determined a majority of nurses reported dissatisfaction with the amount and type of communication with the interdisciplinary team. This, along with a review of Press-Ganey scores from the inpatient wards, revealed patients reported decreased satisfaction when asked if “nurses kept me informed”, compared to previous quarterly reports as well as other VA facilities. Multiple studies have shown the benefit of personalized whiteboards (PWs) at the patient bedside in improving not only communication but also safety and patient outcomes. A PW was developed by the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) student and CNL preceptor to aid in communication with the patient and the interdisciplinary team with a specific aim to improve patient and nurse reports of satisfaction with communication to greater than 80% by April 2016.

PWs were implemented on two inpatient medical-surgical wards with regular audits occurring to ensure compliance. Nurses and patients were surveyed randomly to determine perceptions of the effect of PWs on interdisciplinary communication. Press-Ganey scores related to “nurses kept me informed” were evaluated pre-intervention, two months after implementation, and then again at four months. Results of Press-Ganey scores showed improvement two months after implementation that decreased slightly at four months. More importantly, surveys of nurses and patients revealed the PWs increased reports of satisfaction with interdisciplinary communication. This project supports the CNL role of client advocate in that it works to improve patient outcomes and encourages the patient to be active participants in their healthcare.

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