Enhancing Patient Safety: Evaluating Bedside Shift Reports in the Medical Surgical Setting
Advisor(s)
Megan Lieb
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Change of shift report at the nurses' station has been associated with an increase in sentinel events. Bedside shift report (BSR) decreases adverse events, such as patient falls and medication errors. Despite this, BSR does not occur consistently.
Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized BSR compared to traditional verbal handoff outside the room on the incidence of patient falls and medication errors among adult patients on medical-surgical units over a six-month period.
Methods: This project utilizes a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test design. The project will take place on an adult neurologic/orthopedic medical surgical unit, which houses 37 beds. Participants will include all bedside registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) on the unit. The transition from traditional verbal handoff to a standardized bedside shift report protocol will include, the “safety scan”, patient engagement, and education. Patient falls and medication errors, will be measured using the facility’s existing electronic incident reporting system and electronic health record audits. This data will be collected monthly for six months pre-implementation and six months post-implementation.
Conclusion: Transitioning from nurses’ station-based hand-offs to bedside reporting is a vital shift toward a patient-centered safety culture. By prioritizing face-to-face verification, healthcare providers can address the high risks of communication breakdowns during shift changes. This proactive approach reduces sentinel events and empowers patients as active participants in their recovery.
Recommended Citation
Denham, Sydney, "Enhancing Patient Safety: Evaluating Bedside Shift Reports in the Medical Surgical Setting" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 44.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/44
Open Access
Available to all.
Enhancing Patient Safety: Evaluating Bedside Shift Reports in the Medical Surgical Setting
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Change of shift report at the nurses' station has been associated with an increase in sentinel events. Bedside shift report (BSR) decreases adverse events, such as patient falls and medication errors. Despite this, BSR does not occur consistently.
Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized BSR compared to traditional verbal handoff outside the room on the incidence of patient falls and medication errors among adult patients on medical-surgical units over a six-month period.
Methods: This project utilizes a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test design. The project will take place on an adult neurologic/orthopedic medical surgical unit, which houses 37 beds. Participants will include all bedside registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) on the unit. The transition from traditional verbal handoff to a standardized bedside shift report protocol will include, the “safety scan”, patient engagement, and education. Patient falls and medication errors, will be measured using the facility’s existing electronic incident reporting system and electronic health record audits. This data will be collected monthly for six months pre-implementation and six months post-implementation.
Conclusion: Transitioning from nurses’ station-based hand-offs to bedside reporting is a vital shift toward a patient-centered safety culture. By prioritizing face-to-face verification, healthcare providers can address the high risks of communication breakdowns during shift changes. This proactive approach reduces sentinel events and empowers patients as active participants in their recovery.