Abstract TP375: Strength in Numbers: Enhancing Bedside Shift Report with an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

Background and Purpose: According to research, bedside shift report has a direct correlation with improved nursing communication, patient satisfaction, patient safety and quality of care. Exploring the addition of an advanced practice provider, this innovative quality improvement initiative was implemented on a 47 bed neuroscience unit at a trauma level one hospital. Stroke related patients were targeted with cognitive functioning in mind. The purpose of this evidence based nursing practice and quality enhancement initiative was to improve the patient satisfaction, experience and outcomes as well as improving nursing communication by the involvement of an advanced nurse practitioner. Methods: The reengineered plan of care was implemented by incorporating an advanced nurse practitioner to bedside shift report. Stroke patients where the nurse practitioner was the primary provider joined the nurse to nurse communication team during bedside shift report to improve quality measures. Results: This interdisciplinary initiative contributed to a steady increase in patient’s ratings of communication with nurses and advanced practice providers. There was also some increase in patients’ better understanding of their plan of care which encouraged participation with active decision making. As a result, nursing staff communication improved and satisfaction as well as enhanced professional relationships among providers and nurses was demonstrated. Conclusions: Reengineering of the interdisciplinary team approach incorporating an advanced practice provider with bedside shift report increased patient satisfaction, patient experience, improved nursing communication and overall improvement of professional relationships. This quality enhancement initiative was vital in increasing patient satisfaction, expediting the plan of care, providing betterdecreasing length of stay and quality of care and a collegial relationship with nurses in the stroke population.