Benefits of health care communication training for nurses conducting bedside handovers: An Australian hospital case study

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of communication training on nurses’ ability to conduct bedside handovers in hospital. Method: Of the 26 participating nurses, 13 had recently completed specialized training in bedside handovers using the Connect, Ask, Respond, and Empathize (CARE) and Past, Present, and Future (PPF) of the patient journey and condition protocols for health care communication. The other 13 nurses did not participate in this training. Researchers videotaped and evaluated these nurses’ handover practices using the Bedside Handover Evaluation Form. Results: Nurses who had received the specific training in bedside handovers interacted with their patients to a far greater extent, asked more questions, and stated more complete information about their patient’s medical journey. Conclusion: Nurses who participate in health care communication training on bedside handovers subsequently demonstrate a significantly better ability to lead these clinical interactions. This is evidenced by their articulation of more detailed medical information, their more respectful and multifaceted interactions with patients, and their more inclusive approach to all participants in the handover.