Exploring and describing the facilitators and barriers during shift handover between critical care nurses in a private hospital in Gauteng

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses conduct shift handover to exchange vital patient care information at the beginning, during, and at the end of each shift. This can be done verbally, in writing, or via phone or video calls. Critical care nurses often prefer bedside handovers for better correlation with the patients’ clinical condition and records.

Objective: To explore and describe the facilitators and barriers during shift handover between critical care nurses in a critical care unit.

Method: The researcher used an exploratory descriptive qualitative design to study critical care nurses with more than six months of experience in direct nursing care of critically ill/injured patients at a private hospital in the Gauteng province. Nurses completed a self-reported narrative guide, which was collected on alternate days from a sealed container in the unit manager’s office.

Participants: The participants were registered and enrolled nurses working in the adult critical care unit with a minimum of six months of critical care experience.

Results: The study identified four facilitators and six barriers during the shift handover process between critical care nurses (CCN). The facilitators that enhanced and streamlined the shift handover (SHO) included effective teamwork, clear communication, detailed handover procedures, and comprehensive handover notes.

Conversely, the barriers that hindered or obstructed the flow of information during the SHO process were identified as ineffective communication, lack of comprehensive handover, incomplete handover notes, negative attitudes, unrealistic workload and tardiness.

Conclusion: The study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers that influence handover practices, with recommendations to address the barriers for the benefit of the organisation and patients. Additionally, optimal handover practices may lead to improved patient feedback and higher nursing staff satisfaction and provide valuable insights for management.