Bedside Nurse Reports Via FaceTime

Grant Application

Katherine A. McConnell, RN, MSN, James J. Malkowiak, RN, BSN, Mary Ann Hauser, RN, BSN, and Jill Tatangelo, RN, MSN, of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC

 

Proposed Innovation

Communication is crucial when handing off patients between hospital shifts or units. In 2012, the Orthopaedic Inpatient Surgical Unit at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC began using bedside nurse reports to improve the flow of information at shift change.

With support from the Beckwith Institute, the project was expanded to provide “live” bedside nurse reports using the iPad® FaceTime application when transferring patients between units — especially those moving from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

 

Improvements in Action

FaceTime allows nurses to discuss the patient’s plan of care “face-to-face” in the PACU without leaving their unit. And, because these FaceTime reports are conducted at the bedside, patients become more actively involved in their care planning.

 

Results

The use of FaceTime has increased patient safety and satisfaction along with nurse communication, accountability and satisfaction. In fact, the project proved so successful the technology is now being used in Magee’s Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. The next step will be to expand use of FaceTime for bedside nurse reports between hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices.