Keeping Your Patient Informed

Keeping Your Patient Informed

​The rapid pace of healthcare can often have 15-20 people in a patients room in the span of a few hours. They are anxious, vulnerable, perhaps alone, confused or medicated. They aren’t sure what is said, who is saying it or what it all means. It can lead to poor patient experiences and possibly poor outcomes.

​Many institutions have taken to using communication boards or white boards to put pertinent data on for the patient and family. When filled out they are marvelous, when outdated or blank they are not only worthless but may further lead to confusion. And in addition surveys elicited that compliance with use and engagement of the team members made keeping them up to date and accurate the greatest challenge.

​Depending on the practice at your facility, being committed to the process can make the difference between a safe, positive experience and and high risk, disappointing one. Safety is a focus of CMS, tJC and NDNQI to name a few. Reducing falls, hospital acquired injuries or illness and errors can be reduced or eliminated when patients, family and care providers are all on the same page.

​A few key pieces of information shared at the beginning of shift and refreshed throughout the day include:

1. Introductions - Who will the nurse, nursing assistant, provider or other team members be providing care. Check the arm band.

2. Daily Plan - Review what will be going on for the morning; tests, therapies, treatments, bathing, etc

3. Meals and Meds - When will meals be delivered? What meds will they be taking, why and what will they experience. Check the arm band.

4. What are they waiting for - Case management to plan discharge, surgery, doctor or follow up care

5. What is your plan - when will you be back in the room, what will you be doing with them or for them during the shift

6. What is the discharge plan - every day it helps to remind them what has been completed and what still needs to happen for them to go home

7. Make sure they are prepared for the day - Emergency light in hand, bed in low position, alarm on for those at risk, bedside table at hand and free of as much ‘junk’ as possible.

​Taking time to make sure they are informed will reduce anxiety, improve engagement and reduce risk of injury. The patient and family will also be more comfortable with the care they see. Communication received from the nurse and provider will greatly improve patient satisfaction.

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