Patient and Family Education
A key indicator of quality care is a better-informed patient. Nurses are actively involved in educating patients and families about their care. Nurses provide patients and their families with literature developed at a reading level that enhances comprehension. Nurses also engage in teaching activities with their patients while applying a culturally sensitive approach.
In addition, nurses use the principle of “teach back” in their one-on-one educational meetings with patients and families. This principle requires a patient to repeat and/or demonstrate to the nurse the proper care technique taught, after having received instructions.
Hourly Rounding and Interdisciplinary Rounding
The Department of Nursing continues to refine its hourly rounding initiative and support interdisciplinary rounding. Hourly rounding helps ensure that nurses anticipate patients’ needs and address them at regular intervals. Interdisciplinary rounding at the bedside helps improve communication between care providers, patients and family members by bringing all the patient’s care providers together at one time to discuss treatment plans. All of the rounding initiatives enhance the nurse-patient relationship by focusing on quality conversations. Rounding results in compassionate, efficient interactions that result in improved patient care. Increasing the patient’s interaction with the nursing staff has been shown to improve patient safety, perception of care and family satisfaction.
Handoff Communication
Handoff communication entails the transfer and acceptance of patient responsibility from one provider to another. Achieved through effective communication, this real-time process eliminates the risk inherent in transitions of care among and between nurses and other providers. To ensure a smooth transition of patients, Baptist Health has continued its focus on standardizing the handoff communication using an SBAR format. The purpose of this handoff process is to ensure continuity of care and safety of patients. Superior patient handoff among departments is comprehensive and rooted in our nursing practice.
Patient Safety
Patient safety is a core value at Baptist Health and nurses are key advocates for their patients and protecting their safety. Patients and their families should partner with their caregivers and feel comfortable asking questions and expecting information and education from their nurses. This collaboration will continue to help nurses provide safe care using national best practices.