Development of a Participatory Nursing Handover Model among Otorhinolaryngological Wards at a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

          Purpose: 1) To develop a participatory nursing handover model 2) To evaluate the nurses’ perception towards a participatory nursing handover model and 3) To compare the effectiveness of a participatory nursing handover model before and after the use of the model.

          Design: The study consisted of two phases: Phase I - the development of a participatory nursing handover model using participatory action research; Phase II - the implement of the participatory handover model. The evaluation of effectiveness of a participatory nursing handover model was also applied using quasi-experimental research with a one-group pretest-posttest design.

          Methods: Through purposive sampling 40 professional nurses consisting of head nurse, shift in-charge, and operational levels from eight otorhinolaryngology wards at a tertiary hospital were recruited. In pre-developing period, problems found during nurse shift handover were analyzed using evaluation form and group discussion. During model developing period, focus group and group work on model design as well as a try-out of the participatory nursing handover model were implemented. For post model development period, the use of model and its effectiveness were assessed via evaluation form, group discussion, and observation. Content analysis was used for qualitative data, the outcomes reflecting the model effectiveness were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed ranks test.   

          Main findings: A participatory nursing handover model consists of four components: 1) Data structure and checking log form 2) Nursing handover process 3) Management of the environment during shift transfer and 4) Competency development of nurses in giving handover. Perception of nurses in terms of data quality, and interaction and support to the handover process using a participatory nursing handover model was significantly different between pretest and posttest. The handover model could significantly reduce the productivity and the incidence of delayed admission, delayed discharge and transfer.

          Conclusion and recommendations: The participatory nursing handover model helps reduce the productivity and the delay of clinical incidence. Adaptation for use of this model in another wards and integration of this model in teaching and learning undergraduate nurse students to perform a role of team leader should be encouraged.