Facilitators and barriers during shift handover between critical care nurses in a private hospital in Gauteng

Abstract

Background. Shift handover (SHO) is a crucial process during which patient information and care responsibilities are transferred between incoming and outgoing nurses. Effective handover ensures a seamless transition between shifts, maintaining continuity of care and patient safety. Handover can occur verbally, in writing, telephonically or via video calls. In critical care units (CCUs), critically ill patients often require continuous monitoring and complex treatment; therefore, critical care nurses (CCNs) conduct bedside handovers to allow immediate correlation with the patient’s clinical condition and records. However, the frequency, complexity and vast data involved in critical care handovers make them high-risk events, and their success can be influenced by various facilitators and barriers. Objective. To explore and describe the facilitators and barriers encountered during SHO between CCNs in CCUs. Methods. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was employed to study CCNs who directly cared for critically ill patients and conducted SHO at a private hospital in Gauteng. The researcher collected completed, self-reported interview guides weekly from a sealed box. Results. Four facilitators identified during SHO were effective teamwork, effective communication, detailed patient records and comprehensive handover notes. Six barriers identified during SHO were ineffective communication, a lack of proper handover, incomplete patient records, negative attitudes, unrealistic workload and tardiness. Conclusion. The study explored facilitators and barriers that influence handover practices between CNNs during SHO. Recommendations to address the identified barriers may optimise handover practices, improve patient outcomes and staff satisfaction and provide valuable insights for management.