TOPIC: In alert and oriented adult patients on a medical surgical unit, does engagement of patients using a scripted tool during bedside handoff at each shift change compared to no patient engagement in nursing handoff increase HCAHPS scores and positive patient feedback in leadership rounding after a three-month period? Refer to the document – as a guide (see attached)
Title: The Impact of Patient Engagement during Bedside Handoff on HCAHPS Scores and Positive Patient Feedback in Leadership Rounding: A Critical Analysis
Introduction:
Effective communication during nursing handoff plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and care continuity in healthcare settings. Traditionally, nursing handoffs have occurred away from the patient’s bedside, potentially leading to communication gaps and reduced patient engagement in the care process. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on patient-centered care and involving patients in their own care decisions. This has prompted an exploration of the impact of patient engagement during bedside handoff on various patient outcomes. This study critically analyzes the proposed research question: “In alert and oriented adult patients on a medical surgical unit, does engagement of patients using a scripted tool during bedside handoff at each shift change, compared to no patient engagement in nursing handoff, increase HCAHPS scores and positive patient feedback in leadership rounding after a three-month period?”
Patient Engagement during Bedside Handoff:
Bedside handoff is a communication strategy where patient care information is transferred between healthcare providers at the patient’s bedside. By involving the patient during this process, crucial information can be accurately conveyed, and the patient actively participates in their own care. Patient engagement during bedside handoff is achieved through the use of scripted tools, which guide healthcare providers in the information exchange process, ensuring consistency and comprehensive patient-centered care. It is proposed that engaging patients using a scripted tool during bedside handoff may improve patient satisfaction, as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores, and result in positive patient feedback during leadership rounding.
HCAHPS Scores and Positive Patient Feedback in Leadership Rounding:
HCAHPS scores are widely used metrics to assess patient satisfaction across healthcare organizations. These scores evaluate various aspects of care, including communication, patient involvement, and caregiver responsiveness. By engaging patients during bedside handoff, it is hypothesized that patients will perceive improved communication and involvement in their care, leading to higher HCAHPS scores. Furthermore, positive patient feedback received during leadership rounding, where healthcare leaders interact with patients to assess their needs and experiences, can provide insights into the impact of patient engagement during bedside handoff on overall patient satisfaction.
Methodological Considerations:
When conducting research to answer the proposed research question, certain methodological considerations need to be taken into account. Firstly, a randomized controlled trial with appropriate sample size and randomization methods is essential to ensure validity and generalizability of the findings. The study population should include alert and oriented adult patients on a medical surgical unit, as they are more likely to actively participate in the bedside handoff process. Additionally, a control group receiving traditional handoff practices (without patient engagement) should be included for comparison purposes.
Moreover, data collection methods should include structured interviews, questionnaires, and observation of leadership rounding feedback. Ideally, the HCAHPS survey should be administered pre- and post-intervention to assess any changes in patient satisfaction scores. The use of semi-structured interviews and validated questionnaires will provide qualitative and quantitative data on patient experiences and perceptions of engagement during bedside handoff. Additionally, leadership rounding feedback forms can be utilized to collect information on patients’ perspectives regarding the impact of bedside handoff engagement on their overall care experience.
Statistical analyses, such as t-tests or chi-square tests, can be employed to assess differences in HCAHPS scores and leadership rounding feedback between the intervention and control groups. Additionally, qualitative analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis, can help identify and categorize emerging themes from interviews and questionnaires.
Ethical considerations, including obtaining informed consent from participants and maintaining patient confidentiality, must be addressed. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval should be sought before initiating the study.
Conclusion:
The proposed study aims to investigate whether the engagement of patients using a scripted tool during bedside handoff increases HCAHPS scores and positive patient feedback in leadership rounding on a medical surgical unit. By critically analyzing this research question, we can further explore the potential benefits of patient engagement during bedside handoff in achieving patient-centered care and enhancing patient satisfaction. Additionally, this study may provide valuable insights into healthcare practices aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.