Publication Date

Spring 2023

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Susan McKenna

Keywords

patient transfer process, patient transfer checklist, RN experience, Labor & Delivery, Mother-Baby Unit

Abstract

Purpose: To implement and evaluate the efficacy of a standardized patient transfer process among registered nurses (RN) from Labor & Delivery (L&D) to Mother-Baby Unit (MBU) using PDSA cycle to improve RN satisfaction and reduce patient transfer time
Conceptual Framework: PDSA Cycle
Setting: Labor & Delivery and Mother-Baby Unit of a tertiary care hospital
Methods: The project consisted of collecting both objective (estimated patient transfer time from L&D to MBU) and subjective data (anonymous nursing pre- and post-intervention surveys). Standardization of transfer process included implementing a transfer checklist, patient transfer tool, updating the workflow, and a sample patient transfer video. The evaluation of surveys and comparison of pre- and post-intervention transfer time was utilized to determine if the interventions were effective in reducing patient transfer time and improving the RN’s experience with the patient transfer process or needed further modifications.
Results: The average time of patient transfer process was 28 minutes before intervention phase, while post-intervention was 27 minutes. During pre-intervention phase, out of 52 Registered Nurses (RNs), 24 were satisfied with the patient transfer process and 12 were satisfied with the patient transfer duration. During post-intervention phase, while only 17 out of 33 RNs were adhering to the updated workflow, 16 were content with the patient transfer process and 15 were pleased with the patient transfer time.
Clinical Implications: Standardizing patient transfer process can enhance the experience of registered nurses while transferring patients from L&D to MBU.

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