Bedside Handover Research Articles

Implementation of bedside handover that includes patients or carers in hospital settings: A systematic review.

Increasing complexity in healthcare systems necessitates effective handover. While a universal structure is often recommended, many frameworks do not include the patient. A systematic review was completed examining outcomes following handover that included patients or carers using a realist-orientated paradigm. The research group used Covidence™ software and followed PRISMA guidelines. A librarian-led search of Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SCOPUS yielded 5,790 relevant studies for screening. Included studies reported on peer-reviewed studies that assessed qualitative or quantitative outcomes resulting from patient-centred handover. To assess quality, we used the McMaster Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Patient-orientated and quantitative outcomes are reported descriptively. For qualitative outcomes, we employed a deductive analytical approach. Braun and Clarke's steps were followed to develop themes with group work used to clarify and discuss the various codes. Heterogenous reporting precluded meta-analysis. Thirty studies were eligible (10 mixed methods; 11 quantitative; 9 qualitative) with variable quality and scope. Most studies related to nursing-led bedside handover and originated in Anglophone countries. Positive effects were reported for patient satisfaction, engagement, autonomy and effective information exchange. Providers reported a positive experience but also barriers to implementation, cognitive load and reducing compliance over time. There were contradicting findings for patient-orientated outcomes including falls risk. Publication bias may have led to under reporting of negative trials. There was limited reporting on physician-led handovers that included patients. Patient-centred handover was associated with self-reported benefits for patients and providers but potential advantages over conventional handover could be undermined by barriers such as time, implementation challenges and a perceived increase in staff workload.

Evaluation of the Handover Training Program Given to Nursing Students Using the Kirkpatrick Model: A Quasi-Experimental Observational Study.

Patient handover training given to nursing students is important to ensure patient safety. There are a variety of evaluation models that can be used to evaluate the impact of education in nursing, one of which is the Kirkpatrick model. This study aims to evaluate the patient handover training given to nursing students according to the Kirkpatrick model. A pretest and posttest design was used with a convenience sample of 33 nursing students. The training provided was evaluated according to the reaction, learning, behavior, and result levels of the Kirkpatrick model. In the study, data were collected by researchers observing students through face-to-face interactions and bedside observations using Handoff Evaluation Scale (Handoff CEX). It was found that 42.1% of the nursing students practiced verbal, 19.7% taped, and 36.8% bedside handovers before the training, while all the students practiced taped, verbal, and bedside handovers after the training. While the mean (SD) scores of patient handover (2.87 [0.95]) were at an insufficient level before the training, the scores after the training (7.12 [1.06]) increased to a high level. The difference between the mean patient handover scores before and after the training was statistically significant (P < .001). After the training provided in the study, it was observed that nursing students improved their patient handover levels and styles, handover participation, and information transfer. Patient handover training given to undergraduate student nurses can be evaluated using the Kirkpatrick model.

Construction and Validation of a Standardized Bedside Handover Process and Visual Diagnosis-Symptom System in Emergency.

To construct and examine the effects of a Standardized Bedside Handover Process and Visual Diagnosis-symptom System. According to the application of standardized procedure and Diagnosing-symptom System, we divided three groups: control group, process group and process + visualization group. Study outcomes included nursing handover practices and patient bedside nursing handover satisfaction, which were measured by the Chinese version of Nursing Assessment of Shift Report (NASR) and the Patients Views on Nursing Care with implementation bedside report (PVNC-BR), respectively.The effects were estimated using t-test and ANOVA. Compared with the control group, NASR and PVNC-BR scores of the process group and the process + visualization group were significantly higher. Standardized process for bedside handover and the application of visual diagnosis-symptom libraries could improve the quality of nursing bedside handover in emergency observation room.

Perceptions of Patients and Nurses about Bedside Nursing Handover: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

Bedside nursing handover is a recognized nursing practice that involves conducting shift change communication at the patient's bedside to enhance communication safety. Understanding the perceptions of both patients and nurses regarding bedside handover is crucial in identifying the key principles for developing and implementing effective bedside handover protocols. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive evidence that summarizes and evaluates studies focused on qualitative approaches for gaining insights into the perceptions of both nurses and patients. This meta-synthesis review aims to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the quality of primary qualitative studies on the perceptions of patients and nurses about bedside nursing handover. A meta-synthesis review was conducted to identify qualitative studies that reported patients and nurses' perceptions about bedside handover using seven electronic databases, including CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Education Database (ProQuest), Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and PubMed, from January 2013 to November 2023. The authors independently selected reviews, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of included studies using the 10-item JBI Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument tool. A total of 871 articles were retrieved, of which 13 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies identified three main themes: (1) facilitators of bedside nursing handover, (2) barriers to bedside nursing handover, and (3) strategies to maintain confidentiality during bedside handover. This study systematically reviewed and integrated the perceptions of patients and nurses about bedside handover. Based on nurses' perceptions, the combined findings highlight the facilitators of bedside handover, including developing partnership interaction between nurses and patients, promoting professionalism, and enhancing emotional communication among nurses. From the patients' viewpoint, the synthesized findings emphasize the facilitators of bedside handover, including acknowledging the expertise, professionalism, and humanity of the nursing profession, ensuring a sense of safety, satisfaction, and confidence in the care received, as well as promoting individualized nursing care. In the context of barriers to bedside handover, both nurses and patients perceive breaches of confidentiality and privacy violations as significant barriers. When it comes to maintaining confidentiality during bedside handovers, it is important to consider patients' preferences. Patients often prefer handovers to take place in a private setting. From the nurses' perspective, it is important to inquire with patients about their preference for the presence of caregivers, and to conduct private handovers for sensitive issues away from the bedside. Relevance to Clinical Practice. Clinicians should carefully evaluate the barriers and facilitators in this meta-synthesis prior to implementing bedside handover. Study Registration. This study is registered in PROSPERO with Protocol registration ID: CRD42024514615.

Implementing a ward-level intervention to improve nursing handover communication with a focus on bedside handover-A qualitative study.

To improve the effectiveness of nursing clinical handover through a qualitative, tailored communication intervention. A multisite before and after intervention using qualitative ethnography combined with discourse analysis of nursing handover interactions. We implemented a tailored ward-based intervention to redesign nursing handover practice with co-constructed recommendations for organisational and cultural change on seven wards across three affiliated metropolitan hospitals between February 2020 and November 2022. The intervention was informed by pre-implementation interviews and focus groups with nursing, medical and allied health staff and patients (n = 151) and observed and/or audio-recorded handover events (n = 233). Post-intervention we conducted interviews and focus groups (n = 79) and observed and/or audio-recorded handover events (n = 129) to qualitatively evaluate impact. Our translational approach resulted in substantial changes post-intervention. Nurses conducted more shift-to-shift handovers at the bedside, with greater patient interaction and better structured and more comprehensive information transfer, supported by revised handover documentation. Redesigned group handovers were focused and efficient, communicating critical patient information. Contextualised training combined with changes to ward-level systemic factors impeding communication results in improved nursing handovers. Practice change requires strong executive leadership and project governance, combined with effective ward-level leadership, collaboration and mentoring. The speed and degree of change post-intervention demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaborative research between hospital executive, ward leadership and communication specialists. Nurses are more likely to conduct efficient group handovers and informative, patient-centred bedside handovers in line with policy when they understand the value of handover and have practical strategies to support communication. Communication training should be combined with broader ward-level changes to handover practice tailored to the ward context. A multilevel approach results in more effective practice change. We adhered to the COREQ guidelines. We interviewed patients on study wards pre and post intervention.

Analysis of Nurses' Perceptions of Handover Practices: A Comparative Study in Different Medical Settings.

This article reports a comparative prospective study aimed to explore and compare nurses' perceptions of bedside clinical handover in 3 different settings (emergency unit, ICU, and medical ward). Results revealed that the participant nurses' perceptions varied significantly for different aspects of the handover process. Our data demonstrate department-specific variations in perceptions related to the adequacy, organization, relevance, availability of charts, use of charts for review, ease of following the information, and timeliness of the information.

Utility of a digital app to enhance patient-nurse communications and patient involvement in bedside handover: patient and nurse perceptions.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore patient and nurse perceptions of using a prototype co-designed app to support patient-nurse communication and patient engagement in bedside handover.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study evaluated usability of the app with a convenience sample of patient-nurse dyads in a 22-bed medical/oncology ward, during morning shifts. Participants were nurses, and patients proficient in English but without cognitive impairment or physical or mental distress. Patients entered healthcare questions and preferences into the app, nurses acknowledged the information in the app and responded during their usual workflow. Patient comfort level with app use was surveyed. Handovers were observed, and patient involvement rated. After handover, semi-structured interviews and feedback surveys on app usability were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analysed thematically. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsPatient-nurse dyads (n=18) used the app between March and May 2023. Patients were mostly older (median 69.5years; IQR 52.3, 75), female, and frequent users of smartphones. Nurses were mostly younger (median 23years; IQR 21, 40) and female. Five themes were identified, which indicated that using the app empowered patients to engage in healthcare communications, facilitated opportunities for patient-centred information sharing, and refocused nurses' attention onto patient-centred care. Views differed on the app's influence on patient involvement in handover. Surveys (n=36, 100%) indicated that the interface was easy to navigate, features were useful, and only minor amendments were suggested.ConclusionThis prototype app shows potential to facilitate patient-centred communication and patient engagement with health care, including bedside handover. With further refinement and testing, this app could enhance experiences of care and reduce harm from miscommunication.

Nurses' Versus Physicians' Perceptions of the Bedside Handover Practice in the Intensive Care Unit: An Egyptian Prospective, Comparative Study.

This article reports a prospective, comparative study using a semistructured interview technique, to compare the perceptions of nursing professionals and physicians about the bedside handover practice, in intensive care units (ICUs). Clinical handovers are practiced every day, in many ways, in all institutional health care settings. Despite increasing demand for structured processes to guide clinical handovers, the perception may differ between nurses and physicians, particularly in the ICU. The results of the current study showed that the quality of the information provided during handovers was perceived by both the nurses and physicians as satisfactory and relevant to the patient's care. The findings of this study could have impacts on the daily medical practices in the ICU. The results of this study could be utilized to design programs that will improve nurses' and physicians' understanding and practices of the handover process as well as the information needed to be communicated.

Implementing bedside handovers in mental health care: Insights from an experience-based co-design

ObjectivesBedside handovers have the potential to provide opportunities to increase patient involvement in mental health care. However, limited research has been conducted on this subject. MethodsIn this study, we investigate the suitability of experience-based co-design as a method for designing bedside handover in mental health care. ResultsThe article discusses the goals of bedside handover, the preferred structure and content of the handover, its location and frequency, and the familiarization involved in it. ConclusionsEBCD proved to be a suitable method of making recommendations for involving patients in nursing handover in a mental healthcare unit of a general hospital.Practice implications: Nurses and mental health care patients agreed on the ISBARRT model to structure bedside handovers.

Implementing bedside handover in neurological rehabilitation: An Action Research Approach in Practice Development

Implementing bedside handover in neurological rehabilitation: An Action Research Approach in Practice Development Abstract. Background: Nursing handovers are considered high-risk tasks but are also an important resource for conveying pertinent insights in the patients' situation and engaging them in the care process. As part of a broader action research project, a participatory approach was used to implement bedside handovers. Aims: It seemed central to sustainable change to gain insights which underlying factors motivate nurses to change handover practices. Methods: A qualitative design was chosen, in which five exploratory interviews were conducted with nurses. Results: The biggest challenges are privacy concerns and dealing with cognitively impaired patients. The motivations for bedside handover are a less error-prone transfer of information and a more accurate impression of the patient, in addition to a patient contact which is experienced as valuable. Discussion: The change in handover structure is accompanied by changes in the ward culture. The challenges faced by the staff require high communication skills to bridge them. The main factor for the preference of the handover form is the effect on the patients. Limitations: Transferability is limited due to the high contextual relevance. Transfer: With the help of a structured implementation strategy, even rituals can be modified. The bedside handover has a beneficial influence on patient-centredness.

A study on the effect of applying a bedside handover checklist on the quality of handover by junior physicians in EICU.

A study on the effect of applying a bedside handover checklist on the quality of handover by junior physicians in EICU.

Evaluating the Methodological Approaches of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Bedside Handover Attitudes and Behaviours Questionnaire into Portuguese.

Nurse managers need culturally adapted assessment instruments to support the implementation of change to Nursing Bedside Handover (NBH) in healthcare institutions. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Bedside Handover Attitudes and Behaviours (BHAB) questionnaire to the Portuguese context and evaluate the methodological approaches used for this purpose. To guide this study, we followed a guideline for cross-cultural translation and adaptation measurement instruments in healthcare. The results of the content validity testing suggested that the BHAB questionnaire is a valid instrument for use in the Portuguese context. To obtain these results we showed 1) using of a new methodological approach, the dual focus, to resolve the divergences and ambiguities in the translators' committee and the multi-professional committee; 2) the lack of a conceptual definition of the construct of the instrument as a requirement to retain items with I-CVI <0.70 after validity relevance pretesting and 3) the cognitive debriefing and relevance pretesting as methodological approaches which can be used alone or together to reinforce the evaluation of cultural relevance of the items. We concluded there is a need for guidelines to support the decision-making process of healthcare researchers with comprehensive information about the different methodological approaches they can follow.

The ACCELERATE Plus (assessment and communication excellence for safe patient outcomes) Trial Protocol: a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial, cost-benefit analysis, and process evaluation

BackgroundNurses play an essential role in patient safety. Inadequate nursing physical assessment and communication in handover practices are associated with increased patient deterioration, falls and pressure injuries. Despite internationally implemented rapid response systems, falls and pressure injury reduction strategies, and recommendations to conduct clinical handovers at patients’ bedside, adverse events persist. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness, implementation, and cost–benefit of an externally facilitated, nurse-led intervention delivered at the ward level for core physical assessment, structured patient-centred bedside handover and improved multidisciplinary communication. We hypothesise the trial will reduce medical emergency team calls, unplanned intensive care unit admissions, falls and pressure injuries.MethodsA stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial will be conducted over 52 weeks. The intervention consists of a nursing core physical assessment, structured patient-centred bedside handover and improved multidisciplinary communication and will be implemented in 24 wards across eight hospitals. The intervention will use theoretically informed implementation strategies for changing clinician behaviour, consisting of: nursing executive site engagement; a train-the-trainer model for cascading facilitation; embedded site leads; nursing unit manager leadership training; nursing and medical ward-level clinical champions; ward nurses’ education workshops; intervention tailoring; and reminders. The primary outcome will be a composite measure of medical emergency team calls (rapid response calls and ‘Code Blue’ calls), unplanned intensive care unit admissions, in-hospital falls and hospital-acquired pressure injuries; these measures individually will also form secondary outcomes. Other secondary outcomes are: i) patient-reported experience measures of receiving safe and patient-centred care, ii) nurses’ perceptions of barriers to physical assessment, readiness to change, and staff engagement, and iii) nurses’ and medical officers’ perceptions of safety culture and interprofessional collaboration. Primary outcome data will be collected for the trial duration, and secondary outcome surveys will be collected prior to each step and at trial conclusion. A cost–benefit analysis and post-trial process evaluation will also be undertaken.DiscussionIf effective, this intervention has the potential to improve nursing care, reduce patient harm and improve patient outcomes. The evidence-based implementation strategy has been designed to be embedded within existing hospital workforces; if cost-effective, it will be readily translatable to other hospitals nationally.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ID: ACTRN12622000155796. Date registered: 31/01/2022.

Evaluation of patient participation in relation to the implementation of a person-centered nursing shift handover.

It has been suggested that nursing shift-to-shift handover should be a more team-based dialogue with and for the patient rather than about a patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient participation in relation to the implementation of the person-centered handover (PCH). A pretest-posttest design was used without a comparison group, including patients from nine units in a university hospital at pretest (n = 228) and after implementing PCH (posttest, n = 253) per the framework integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services. The PCH is inspired by an Australian bedside handover model. The Patient Preferences for the Patient Participation tool was used to rate the preference for and experience of participation on 12 items, combined into three levels of preference-based participation (insufficient-fair-sufficient). There were no differences regarding experience or preference-based participation between patients at pretest-posttest; however, posttest patients experienced participation in the item Reciprocal communication to a lesser extent than the pretest patients. Only 49% of the posttest group received PCH; of those not receiving PCH, some would have wanted PCH (27%), while some would have declined (24%). Patients receiving PCH had sufficient participation (82%), to a greater extent, regarding the item Sharing one's symptoms with staff than patients at pretest (72%). Patients receiving PCH also had sufficient participation, to a greater extent, than patients at posttest who did not receive, but would have wanted PCH, regarding four items: (1) sharing one's symptoms with staff, (2) reciprocal communication, (3) being told what was done, and (4) taking part in planning. Most patients want to be present at PCH. Therefore, nurses should ask for the patients' preferences regarding PCH and act accordingly. Not inviting patients who want PCH could contribute to insufficient patient participation. Further studies are needed to capture what assistance nurses would want in identifying and acting in alignment with patient preferences.

Influencing Factors of Nurses’ Practice during the Bedside Handover: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Protocol

Nursing Bedside Handover (NBH) is acknowledged as a nursing practice implemented at the patient's bedside to improve communication safety during the shift change, but it is vulnerable due to inconsistent application among nurses. This synthesis of qualitative evidence aims to review and synthesize the perceptions and experiences of nurses regarding the factors that, in their perspective, influence NBH practice. We will follow the thematic synthesis methodology of Thomas and Harden and the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) Statement guidelines. A search will be conducted through the databases of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus, and we will follow the three-step search process to identify primary studies with qualitative or mixed-method research designs and projects of quality improvement. The screening and selection of the studies will be carried out by two independent reviewers. We will use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) to report the screening, search, and selection of studies. To assess its methodological quality, two reviewers will independently use the CASM Tool. The extracted data will be reviewed, categorized, and summarized in tabular and narrative formats. The findings obtained will allow us to inform future research and change management led by nurse managers.

Improving patient handover: A narrative review.

The clinical handover process has been directly associated with patient safety. Improving patient handover can improve patients' safety and ultimate outcomes; therefore, this review was conducted to examine the literature available on interventions that make handovers more effective. MEDLINE (EBSCO) was searched for interventions that improve the efficacy of clinical handovers. Studies were excluded if they were irrelevant, not published in peer-reviewed journals, not published in English, or were based on animal studies. A total of 1087 publications were retrieved and sorted by relevance. The eligibility of the articles was determined by reading through the titles and abstracts then full texts, and reference searching. Six studies were selected for this literature review. A number of handover interventions were explored. One intervention was changing the handover location to patients' bedside; Bradley et al. found that bedside handovers decreased handover time and patient adverse events. Another intervention was providing education on handovers which Sand-Jecklin et al. associated with reductions in adverse events. Moreover, Lee et al. used simulation-based education and found that it significantly improved nurses' knowledge, performance competence, and self-efficacy. Another intervention was the transforming care at the bedside (TCAB) framework which incorporated multidimensional strategies and emphasized handover as part of patient centeredness; these strategies improved patient safety, yet the results cannot be attributed solely to handover modifications. Meanwhile, Hada et al. implemented a mixture of interventions and found that they improved patient safety and reduced adverse events. The interventions explored were bedside handovers, providing education and simulation-based education on handovers, emphasizing patient centeredness as part of TCAB strategies, and implementing a mixture of interventions. All interventions reduced adverse events, although some improvements were not significant. Due to the limited evidence available to support the efficacy of the interventions on improving clinical handovers, the results remain inconclusive.

Evidence-based Communication Practice and Clinical Outcomes

Aim: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of evidence-based communication practice on clinical outcomes among nursing personnel at selected institution. Methods: The researcher adopted the quantitative evaluatory research approach with one group pre-test and post-test design. The sample size was 30 nursing personnel from selected institutions. The analysis of the data included both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Comparing pre-test and post-test scores to assess clinical outcomes, it was reported that 14.81% of adverse events occurred after the post-test, while 33.33% of medication errors occurred after the pre-test. The rate of bedside handover grew from 0% to 16.67%. Clinical documentation were 57.41% in post test. There was a rise in discrepancies from 23.53% to 40.74%. About 12.96% of patients were readmitted. Around 3.7% of subjects saw unexpected patient outcomes. The nurse-to-patient ratio rose from 0% to 3.70%. About 33.33% of the time allotted for handover was sufficient. The structured rating scale (Likert scale) is based on experience related to evidence-based communication practices in healthcare settings. The nursing personnel experience that the Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations (ISBAR) format enhances communication up to 100%. About 81.81% feel adequately trained. About 100% of the sample answered that this format improves patient safety. About 5.45% feel that the format was well-received by their colleagues. About 81.82% feel that it promotes a structured approach. About 81.82% feel a reduction in the information gap. About 72.73% of interdisciplinary collaboration improved. Patient outcomes improved by 81.82%. About 72.73% received training on the ISBAR format. About 81.82% recommended ISBAR to other healthcare professionals. About 72.73% agree to include the ISBAR format in nursing education. Conclusion: The ISBAR tool is useful for enhancing patient safety and treatment quality. It improves patient safety and quality, which is essential for an efficient flow of communication. The study’s conclusion highlights the necessity for increasing the utilization of evidencebased communication techniques.

Relationship between Nurses’ Attitudes and Satisfaction with Bedside Shift Reports and Patient Safety Culture

Background: A thoroughly standardized nurse bedside shift report, including effective communication, may improve nurses’ satisfaction and patients’ safety. However, a few studies were found that measure the relationships between nurses’ attitudes and satisfaction with bedside shift reports and patient safety outcomes.Purpose: This study aimed to measure nurses’ attitudes and satisfaction with bedside shift reports and their relationships with patient safety culture.Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between May to August 2021 among 90 bedside nurses conveniently recruited from a public hospital in Lebanon. The Bedside Handover Report Staff Nurses’ Satisfaction Survey and the Survey on Patient Safety (SOPS) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics, i.e., Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: The results showed that satisfaction scores were high in all the questions in the bedside shift reporting. The participants showed relatively positive attitudes towards bedside shift reports where all the statements recorded above-average mean values. The highest-ranking statement “bedside shift report is completed in a reasonable time” was recorded with a mean value of 3.35 (SD=0.87), while the lowest-ranking statement was “bedside shift report is relatively stress-free” with a mean value of 2.03 (SD=0.86). There were significant relationships between nurses’ satisfaction with shift reports and some patient safety culture composites, such as between nurses’ satisfaction with bedside shift reports and communication about errors and reporting of patient safety events (p&lt;0.05) and between nurses’ attitudes toward bedside shift reports and communication about errors (p&lt;0.001)Conclusion: Implementation of the bedside shift report improves nurses’ levels of satisfaction, enhances positive attitudes toward work, and enhances patients' safety. Nursing leaders should encourage nurses to implement bedside handover reports in their hospitals.

Pelaksanaan Bedside Handover terhadap Komunikasi Interprofesional Perawat

&#x0D; This study aims to determine the effect of bedside handover implementation on nurse interprofessional communication at Cut Meutia General Hospital. The research used a quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control two-group pre-post test design. The results showed an effect of bedside handover on interprofessional communication at the Cut Meutia General Hospital ((p=0.001 &lt;0.05). In conclusion, the performance of bedside handover affected the nurse's interprofessional communication, among others, in conveying information and discussions, receiving information, respecting the uniqueness of nurses, and better teamwork.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Bedside Handover, Nurse Interprofessional Communication

Nursing bedside handover in an intensive care unit with a mixed structure: Nursing professionals' perception.

The main objective is to determine if the infrastructure of critical care units influences the perception of professionals using this handover method. Nursing bedside handover is considered a safe information transfer method that can help reduce communication errors; however, it has some disadvantages expressed by health professionals and patients, related to confidentiality, stress and less rest. Qualitative descriptive study. The perception of nursing professionals who work in a critical care unit with a mixed structure (open and closed boxes) in a tertiary care hospital was evaluated through a semi-structured interview with a battery of common questions (prepared after literature review) and spontaneous questions according to the objectives of the study. Five thematic areas related to the study objectives were observed: patient safety, message content, confidentiality/privacy, intimacy/rest/noise, and patient participation. Nursing bedside handover improves safe communication between professionals, because it avoids errors or distractions by double or triple checking (if we include the patient) as well as empowering the patient and including him in his recovery. Carrying it out in closed boxes increases confidentiality and improves intimacy as there are no other patients or relatives nearby who can hear the message. However, the place or shift where the handover is performed does not interfere with the effectiveness of the communication of the message. The morning shift is the busiest, which could affect the patient's rest, a fact that could be solved if it is carried out in a closed box. Carrying out the handover in individual boxes in intensive care units would provide greater privacy to the patient and reduce the perception of external noise, contributing to the reduction of interruptions and the increase of the patient's rest. It is also a key element in patient safety through verification by double or triple check-up, the structuring of the message and the visualization of devices presented by the patient. In addition, it will allow the professional to start a process of early humanization and participation of the patient in the health process.