Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mattie Burton

Abstract

According to recent studies, many medical errors are caused by ineffective hand-off communication, which leads to patient harm and poor outcomes. Researchers have demonstrated that accurate and timely communication improves patient outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the necessity, planning, implementation, outcomes, and transferability of the site quality improvement project, “Improving Nurse-to-Nurse Handoff With the Use of a Tablet.” The context/input/process/product model was used to provide a systematic approach to the evaluation of the site quality improvement project. A paired t test was used to analyze the pre- and post-survey results and demonstrated improvement in several parameters. Med/surge nurse perception of safety improved significantly in all four areas: received accurate report (+75.24%), patients arrive to unit in a timely manner (+16%), patient is admitted to the appropriate level of care (+28.7%), complete information (+68.24%), and opportunity to ask questions (+11.28%). There was no statistical significance in improvement of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey scores post project (September 2018– January 2019). The med/surg unit experienced a reduction of early rapid responses during the tablet project. The recommendation is to convert this quality improvement project into a research study and present the data for potential expansion of use of the tablet anywhere handoff occurs. The implication for positive social change is improved nurse-to-nurse handoff at the bedside, incorporating sending nurse, receiving nurse, and patient. The new process reduces medical errors, improves patient safety, and increases quality of care.

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