City Research Online

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: To understand: (a) staff perceptions of best practice for information transfer for multi-trauma patients on discharge from the emergency department; (b) what information should be conveyed at transfer and (c) how information is transferred.

Background: Information transfer for multi-trauma patients is an integral factor for continuity of care, safety, quality assurance and patient outcomes, however has not been the focus of previous studies.

Design: This was a qualitative study using focus group interviews.

Methods: Data were collected during focus group interviews across five clinical areas. Themes were derived from the data with consensus from three data coders. Purposive sampling was used and included staff caring for trauma patients during patient transition out of the Emergency Department. Participants were representatives of the Emergency Department, Perioperative Care, Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Care Unit and the Trauma Service Unit. Twenty-six Registered Nurses and two Medical Officers participated.

Results: Five focus group interviews were held. Themes emerged from the data including; ‘Variability’, ‘Continuity’ and ‘Putting the pieces together’. The first three themes were all influenced by the fourth theme of ‘Values/Context’. Considered together these themes influenced staff perception of the quality of information transfer for multi-trauma patients on discharge from the emergency department.

Conclusions: Staff perceived best practice for information transfer to be clear, concise, relevant, documentation that travelled with the patient and interactive communication at handover that adhered to agreed principles and a minimum data set specific to trauma patients.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Calleja, P, Aitken, L & Cooke, M (2016) 'Staff perceptions of best practice for information transfer about multi-trauma patients on discharge from the Emergency Department: a focus group study'. Journal of Clinical Nursing, which has been published in final form at doi:10.1111/jocn.13334 . This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
Publisher Keywords:	Nursing handover; Communication; Transfer; Emergency Department; Focus groups, Trauma, Patient information, Patient Safety, Qualitative Study.
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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