Linguistic dissection of nursing handoffs: Implications for patient safety in varied-acuity hospital settings.

AIM: This study examines the intricate language and communication patterns of nurse-to-nurse handoffs across three units with varying patient acuity levels and nurse-patient ratios, seeking to identify linguistic factors that may affect the quality of information transfer and patient outcomes. DESIGN: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design. METHODS: This study used the Nurse-to-Nurse Transition of Care Communication Model to explore the content and meaning of language in nursing handoffs within a large academic medical centre. Data were collected on three units through digital audio recordings of 20 handoffs between June and September 2022, which were transcribed and analysed using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count programme. Trustworthiness was established by adhering to COREQ and STROBE guidelines for qualitative and quantitative research, respectively. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a preference for casual, narrative language across all units, with ICU nurses demonstrating a higher confidence and leadership in communication. Cognitive processes such as insight and causation were found to be underrepresented, indicating a potential area for miscommunication. Communication motives driven by affiliation were more pronounced in ICU settings, suggesting a strong collaborative nature. No significant differences were observed among the units post multiple testing adjustments. Speech dysfluencies were most pronounced in ICU handoffs, reflecting possible stress and cognitive overload. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for improved communication strategies such as interventions to enhance language clarity and incorporating technological tools into handoff processes to mitigate potential miscommunications and errors. The findings advance nursing science by highlighting the critical role of nuanced language in varied-acuity hospital settings and the necessity for structured nurse education in handoff communication and standardized handoff procedures. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: This study underscores the critical role of language in nurse-to-nurse handoffs. It calls for enhanced communication strategies, technology integration and training to reduce medical errors, improving patient outcomes in high-acuity hospital settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Nurses only.

Diabetes Distress in Uninsured Patients with Diabetes During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Observational Study.

This study assessed diabetes distress (DD) and glycemic control levels through three time periods during the COVID-19 pandemic in uninsured patients with diabetes. Diabetes Distress Screening Scales 2 and 17 were utilized to identify the prevalence of DD among uninsured patients during multiple stages of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Providing Access to Healthcare (PATH) diabetes clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For the 328 uninsured diabetic patients who were screened for DD at least once, the mean age was 46 years old with a majority being Black (55.5%), male (56.1%), and non-Hispanic (89.9%). Mean scores reflecting patients' level of DD initially increased in the first 6 months of the pandemic, from 2.86 to 3.44, and then decreased after 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic to 3.09, while their mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) followed a similar pattern of initial increase (from 11.31 to 12.13) followed by a decline (to 10.79). Addressing patient concerns quickly through early interventions to provide alternative means of care through telehealth and accommodating safe pick-up of diabetes supplies and medications, including insulin, can reduce DD and contribute to better management of glycemic control. Understanding the potential direct correlation of DD with HbA1c in uninsured patients with diabetes is an important factor for clinicians when providing care to this vulnerable population.

Issues and Challenges of Communicating Interfacility Transfer Patient Information in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Background: The interfacility transfer places the patient at greater risk for poor outcomes due to outdated, inaccurate, or miscommunication of patient information at the time of transfer. Rural patients are at greater risk for poor outcomes due to experiencing a higher rate of transfers because of healthcare inequities related to limited access to specialty and critical care services. This paper systematically reviewed the literature to describe the current state of interfacility transfer communication practices and methods in the United States. Methods: The review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines and checklist. PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched using MeSH terms and keywords. Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewd research articles published in English from 2013 to 2022 in the United States, and included both adult and pediatric patient transfers. It was noted that there is a lack of research on nursing-based interfacility transfer communication practices and methods. Results: A total of 763 articles were reviewed, and 24 met eligibility for inclusion. The following coded themes were identified in the research literature: transfer patient characteristics and geographic barriers, communication challenges, transfer process, interoperability, digital intervention, and standardized transfer tools. Conclusion: The development and implementation of an integrated standardized interfacility transfer communication tool are warranted to decrease miscommunication and improve patient outcomes. The integration of technologies such as telehealth, the use of health information exchanges, and improved interoperability between health systems can improve communication and outcomes for all transfer patients but specifically rural transfers. Additionally, healthcare workers, particularly those in rural areas, need adequate infrastructure and financial resources to achieve positive patient outcomes.

Integrating a simulated electronic medical record system and barcode medication administration into a pre-licensure nursing program.

BACKGROUND: Many healthcare facilities implement technology to reduce medication errors. Nursing schools are exploring implementing similar technology to promote best practice. PURPOSE: Our institution developed a quality improvement project to evaluate the integration of similar technology into pre-licensure curriculum. METHOD: Our quality improvement project examined using a simulated electronic medical record (EMR) and a barcode medication administration (BCMA) system in pre-licensure nursing curriculum. In our initial project, 96 second-semester BSN students participated in a skill check off using the system. RESULTS: Student perception was positive, 96% of respondents stated the system increased realism, and 94% indicated improved clinical preparedness. CONCLUSION: Implementing this system was a positive experience which enriched our pre-licensure curriculum.