Using a knowledge translation framework to identify barriers and supports to effective nursing handover: A focus group study

The aims of this study were to systematically assess the barriers and facilitators to evidence-based nursing handover in a clinical environment, and to identify potential adopters and attributes of evidence-based nursing handover for translation into practice. The study was conducted in the medical wards of a major tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Participants comprised registered and enrolled nurses permanently employed in the participating wards for at least three months prior to the commencement of study. Using a qualitative focus group design, a context specific assessment of the barriers and enablers to knowledge translation was performed through five semi-structured focus groups. Focus groups discussions were recorded by a registered court reporter using a stenotype machine for voice to text transcription, transcribed verbatim and de-identified for analysis. Focus group data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the focus group discussions: 1) Content (information transferred); 2) Process (steps used to transfer accountability and responsibility for care), and; 3) Environment (factors impacting on safe handover). Participants identified barriers to effective nursing handover including variability of handover content and process, uncertainty around sharing sensitive information, inconsistency around clarifying gaps through questioning during the handover, superficial patient involvement, time constraints and environmental challenges. Key facilitators discussed during the focus groups were the use of integrated electronic medical records, support and clear expectations from the nursing leadership and targeted handover education. During the focus group discussions, participants identified several barriers and facilitators to effective handover. These findings will guide the development of research translation strategies to support the implementation of best practice, standardised clinical handover.