Literature reveals that ineffective communication is a significant contributing factor to an adverse event. In the acute care setting, ineffective communication can lead to increase length of stay and caregiver dissatisfaction. The purpose of the study is to answer two questions:
- Will the use of patient white boards improve patient’ understanding of and satisfaction with their care?
- What is the perception of the health care providers (nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians) regarding the use of the patient white boards?
Methods:
Parents/Caregivers/Patients with a three day length of stay will be asked to indicate perceptions about their care. During standard unit rounding by patient representative, the information will be confirmed. On the 3rd day of the admission the patient /parent/caregiver will be given an institution developed survey that will ask about the patient boards, their understanding of the information on the boards, if they understand what the next steps are in the care of their child, if the child is nearing discharge if they know what they will need when the child goes home. As part of that survey, a diagram of the white boards will be provided and the subjects asked what areas of the white board they found most helpful. Using an institutional developed electronic survey will be given to a convenience sample of the healthcare team which consists of staff nurses, residents, and attending physicians. The survey is distributed by a clinical staff throughout the week (Monday to Friday) to the parents/caregivers/patients
Results:
Thirty-three parents/caregivers participated. Parents/caregivers knew the name of their MD (76%) compared with (91%) knowing the name of the nurse. A majority (70%) was extremely aware of the next steps in their care and (61%) were extremely aware of equipment needed upon discharge. (73%) were extremely aware/moderately aware of the changes to the home routine needed upon discharge. Parents/caregivers felt (82%) always felt that the healthcare team has communicated with them daily. The areas of the communication boards that parent/caregivers found most helpful were: name of nurse, information about their child, goals for the day, the physician name and the room number. For healthcare team members, (80%) felt that the boards allowed quick identification of those providing care. The majority of team members (51%) felt that the boards would not improve the discharge process. Comments from the surveys: “Everything was helpful. Our nurses were amazing.” “Love the new boards. I know what goals & plans need to be met & accomplished.”
Conclusion:
The multidisciplinary communication boards are effective in communicating both with the parents/caregivers but also among team members. There are areas of opportunity for increased information sharing regarding discharge needs of these patients. Increased awareness, collaboration and communication between the healthcare team and patient/family will allow for early identification of issues, increased understanding of the daily care provided in the hospital and improved discharge planning.