What is the purpose of a "bedside report" during shift changes?

A "bedside report" during shift changes serves the crucial function of sharing patient information at the bedside. This approach involves the outgoing nurse providing a detailed overview of each patient’s condition, ongoing treatments, and specific needs directly in the presence of the patient, which fosters transparency and inclusiveness.

By conducting report at the bedside, the incoming nurse can ask questions, clarify details, and engage directly with the patient, which helps to build rapport and establish trust. This interaction also allows patients to participate in their care and ensures they are informed about their treatment plans, thereby enhancing patient safety and continuity of care.

Prioritizing tasks for the incoming shift and assessing the readiness of the patient for discharge are important aspects of patient care but are not the primary goal of bedside reporting. Documenting nursing interventions is also vital for maintaining accurate medical records, but it does not encapsulate the primary purpose of ensuring thorough communication between nurses and patients during handoffs.