The Communication Conundrum: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Descriptive Examination of Family Nurse Perspectives Surrounding Patient Information Exchange During Interfacility Patient Transfers in Montana

Abstract

Background:Interfacility patient transfers are fraught with issues such as missed or ineffective communication in Montana given wide geographic distance between facilities and variance in resources. Inaccurate, absent, or delayed patient details may negatively affect patient outcomes and further result in duplicative testing and medication errors.Objective:The objective of this study was to describe the process of patient information communication during interfacility transfers as perceived by nurses practicing in Montana.Methods:The study design was a pilot cross-sectional descriptive approach. An online Qualtrics survey included demographic questions, two exploratory communication competence instruments, and four open-ended questions regarding communicating interfacility transfer patient information.Results:A total of 33 nurses completed the study, with the majority practicing at a critical access hospital (n= 15, 47%). Communication competence mean scores increased with dyad conversations, and a lack of standardized handoff tools noted as a challenge. Nurses identified the following as barriers in the interfacility transfer handoff: incivility, amount of paperwork, interoperability issues, incomplete or outdated information, time, and resources.Implications for practice:There is wide variability in current communication practices, ranging from verbal to electronic document transfers. The rural healthcare space is prime to continue examinations surrounding workflow optimization, accuracy, and consistency in shared information exchange at the time of interfacility transfer. There is an opportunity for potential training and education surrounding effective communication, interpersonal behaviors that support cross-organizational interactions, and the development of a standardized handoff tool contextual for interfacility transfer patients.