A study was undertaken to explore patients' experiences and perceptions associated with implementation of bedside nursing handover. Interviews were conducted with patients and analyzed using a directed content analysis. Three themes emerged through which patients described their experience with bedside nursing handover as follows: (1) creating a space for personal connection; (2) "bumping up to speed"; and (3) varying preferences. Health care leaders and nurses can use study findings to tailor strategies to engage patients, taking into account their preferences, in bedside nursing handover.

A study was undertaken to explore nurses' experiences and perceptions associated with implementation of bedside nurse-to-nurse shift handoff reporting. Interviews were conducted with nurses and analyzed using directed content analysis. Two themes emerged that illustrated the value of bedside shift reporting. These themes included clarifying information and intercepting errors and visualizing patients and prioritizing care. Nurse leaders can leverage study findings in their efforts to embed nurse-to-nurse bedside shift reporting in their respective organizations.

As part of efforts to improve patient safety, quality of care and patient- and family-centred care, there is a growing interest in moving away from traditional taped nursing reports or reporting at the nursing station to reporting at the bedside. Although a body of knowledge exists regarding what nurses view as benefits and challenges experienced in nurse-to-nurse bedside reporting, less is known about the perceptions of nurses who have experienced this change in reporting practice on their unit. In this context, a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was undertaken to explore nurses' perceptions of a newly implemented nurse-to-nurse bedside reporting practice at one acute care hospital. A total of 43 interviews were conducted on four units with seven nurses from respirology, 10 from obstetrics and gynecology, 10 from nephrology and 16 from general surgery. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Three themes emerged that captured nurses' perceptions of the implementation of nurse-to-nurse bedside reporting: (a) being supported to change and embrace bedside reporting, (b) maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients' preferences and (c) experiencing challenges with bedside reporting. Our findings provide insight for other organizations in their efforts to change reporting practices. Specifically, there is a need for multi-pronged initiatives including leadership support, educational opportunities and ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms. Future research is required to examine how enablers can be leveraged and barriers mitigated or removed to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of nurse-to-nurse bedside reporting.