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.