How to improve bedside handoffs with digital whiteboards

Our clinical team often advises hospitals on ways they can improve bedside handoffs.

On-floor observations and best practices frequently lead to recommendations of incorporating digital whiteboards into the process.

Here are 8 reasons why:

 

1. Utilizing an easy-to-read display serves as a shared point of reference for both patients and staff.

 

2. Supporting both visual and auditory learning preferences helps patients and caregivers better understand care plans and communicate about them.

 

3. Tracking and displaying a patient’s education progress offers a quick snapshot of learning milestones and upcoming content.

 

4. Customizing the content displayed for each unit allows for prioritization of the most relevant information based on specific patient or unit needs.

 

5. Displaying pertinent updates and instructions facilitates family caregiver involvement, keeping them informed and engaged in the patient’s care journey.

 

6. Asking patients about their personal goals and incorporating these into the digital display for ongoing reference emphasizes your commitment to patient-centered care.

 

7. Reviewing progress toward these goals during each handoff promotes a sense of achievement and involvement.

 

8. Including both text and images supports varying levels of health literacy, making the information accessible and understandable for all patients.