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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 48(6)

Utility of a digital app to enhance patient–nurse communications and patient involvement in bedside handover: patient and nurse perceptions

Penelope Casey A B * , Eva Yuen C D , Raj Liskaser E , Philippa Blencowe E F , Leanne Boyd E F , Mohamed Abdelrazek G , Zoe Wang H and Julie Considine A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic, Australia.

B Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Eastern Health Partnership, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic, Australia.

C Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic, Australia.

D Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Monash Health Partnership, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic, Australia.

E Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic, Australia.

F School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic, Australia.

G The Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute - A2I2, Deakin University, Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic, Australia.

H School of Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic, Australia.

* Correspondence to: penny.casey@deakin.edu.au

Australian Health Review 48(6) 673-681 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH23270
Submitted: 13 December 2023  Accepted: 29 August 2024  Published: 18 September 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to explore patient and nurse perceptions of using a prototype co-designed app to support patient–nurse communication and patient engagement in bedside handover.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study evaluated usability of the app with a convenience sample of patient–nurse dyads in a 22-bed medical/oncology ward, during morning shifts. Participants were nurses, and patients proficient in English but without cognitive impairment or physical or mental distress. Patients entered healthcare questions and preferences into the app, nurses acknowledged the information in the app and responded during their usual workflow. Patient comfort level with app use was surveyed. Handovers were observed, and patient involvement rated. After handover, semi-structured interviews and feedback surveys on app usability were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analysed thematically. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Patient–nurse dyads (n = 18) used the app between March and May 2023. Patients were mostly older (median 69.5 years; IQR 52.3, 75), female, and frequent users of smartphones. Nurses were mostly younger (median 23 years; IQR 21, 40) and female. Five themes were identified, which indicated that using the app empowered patients to engage in healthcare communications, facilitated opportunities for patient-centred information sharing, and refocused nurses’ attention onto patient-centred care. Views differed on the app’s influence on patient involvement in handover. Surveys (n = 36, 100%) indicated that the interface was easy to navigate, features were useful, and only minor amendments were suggested.

Conclusion

This prototype app shows potential to facilitate patient-centred communication and patient engagement with health care, including bedside handover. With further refinement and testing, this app could enhance experiences of care and reduce harm from miscommunication.

Keywords: clinical handover, co-design, digital app, hospital care, nurse–patient communication, nursing care, patient safety, patient-centred care, quality of care.

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