Clinical Handover Literature Review

5.0 INTRODUCTION
This section discusses the results identified within the literature in relation nurses’ shift to shift clinical handover. It should be noted that this section is rather presenting themes that were identified in the literature either explicitly as evidence emerging directions for future activity and/or research. The section begins with an introduction of major contents, followed by a presentation of key issues and results reported in the reviewed literatures relating to each of these elements. The section ends with a recommendation that presents a structured and constructive gaps to be exploited in the future research as well elements to be implanted to better the nursing practice with regard to shift handovers.
5.1. CONCLUSSION

The purpose of this literature review was to explore the importance nursing bedside handover. Before implementing bedside handover, it is important to understand how patients’ care information are been transferred from one set of nurses to another to increasing patients’ satisfaction as well as improving their safety. Identifying both the positive aspects and the barriers to bedside handover can help to the process of communication during shift change.
In brief, the literature exhibited a strong unanimity of importance of bedside handover in relation to the patients’ care, but the way that the information is shared needs to be handled considerately by nurses. The type of information and the setting need to be considered during handover to enhance patient satisfaction. Issues of confidentiality were of great importance to the advantages that bedside handover brings to patients, who observe that relevant information is being passed on to the next shift, ensuring them of the continuity of care.
In conclusion, this evidence based process improvement project sought to inform a team of staff nurses representing in-patient nursing units on the concept of handovers for in patients.

Staff perceptions of issues with the handover process, as well as a review of the literature and evidence of best handover practices. An understanding of the process from both the perspective of the in-patient units was achieved. The findings of this review suggest that bedside handover improves patient satisfaction and outcomes. A fusion between handover at bedside and a small handover in the nurse station would facilitate the exchange of sensitive information, better ensuring confidentiality while the use of a change of practice model involving patients and nurses would facilitate the improvement of communication skills and better nurse practice.
5.2 LIMITATIONS
This literature review may however have limitations due to the hard fact that this is the very first experience by the author in a study of this kind. Other limitations might be inability to explore more literature due to time factor. In view of the above mentioned methodological limitations, the need for further qualitative research on bedside handover involving a larger sample sizes is eminent in seeing to the nature of the handing over process in the Gambian health facilities.
5.3

RECOMMENDATION
Recommendations for changes were made based upon consensus and resulted in no financial implications to the organization. There is an expression of a new understanding of the process and an appreciation for the challenges faced by nursing staff on both the sending and receiving end of the process.
 The need for more research regarding the use of bedside report in the clinical setting as an essential part of the curriculum in undergraduate nursing education.
 Raising the awareness to the undergraduate nursing students regarding the use of bedside report in the clinical setting,
 This literature work recommends a research regarding the attitudes of nursing students’ perception regarding the implementation of bedside report during students’ clinical rotations.