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Linguistic dissection of nursing handoffs: Implications for patient safety in varied‐acuity hospital settings.
- Source :
- Journal of Clinical Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.); Aug2024, Vol. 33 Issue 8, p3077-3088, 12p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- CROSS-sectional method
MEDICAL care research
PATIENT safety
PATIENTS
MEDICAL quality control
ACADEMIC medical centers
MEDICAL errors
MEDICAL personnel
RESEARCH funding
NURSE-patient ratio
LEADERSHIP
CLINICAL decision support systems
KRUSKAL-Wallis Test
EVALUATION of medical care
NURSING education
PATIENT care
EMOTIONS
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
CLASSIFICATION
LINGUISTICS
SOUND recordings
NURSING practice
COMMUNICATION
NURSES' attitudes
RESEARCH methodology
INTENSIVE care units
CONCEPTUAL structures
ELECTRONIC health records
AFFECT (Psychology)
NURSING informatics
COMPARATIVE studies
HOSPITAL wards
CRITICAL care nurses
COGNITION
LABOR supply
PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09621067
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Clinical Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 178297581
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.17190