Nursing staff communication with pediatric patients and families in a pediatric transitional care unit: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding nursing communication with pediatric patients/families.

INTRODUCTION

Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients/families is an essential component of patient care and plays a vital role in patient outcomes. Ineffective communication among the healthcare team and patient families has been described as a significant factor contributing to adverse events and poor health outcomes.

METHODS

The project used JBI's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit tool for encouraging evidence-based practices. A baseline audit was conducted, followed by the implementation of targeted strategies. The project was completed with a follow-up audit to determine change in practice.

RESULTS

Three evidence-based practices were utilized as audit criteria for the project. The baseline audit on the three audit criteria revealed an average compliance of 30%. After providing communication skills training to nursing staff and education and visual aids to patients/families and nursing staff regarding the use of white boards, follow-up audits revealed an average compliance of 62%, an increase of 32%.

CONCLUSIONS

These implementation strategies will continue to be utilized on the unit and will be implemented in other areas of the hospital to further improve communication between patients/families and their healthcare team.