Which of the following is a benefit of bedside reporting?

Bedside reporting is a practice that involves nurses handing off patient information at the patient’s bedside, rather than in a conference room or a hallway. This approach fosters direct communication with the patient present, which can significantly enhance patient engagement and satisfaction.

When nurses involve patients in their care during handoff, it empowers patients to ask questions and clarify their understanding of their treatment and care plan, improving their overall experience. This transparency and involvement can make patients feel more valued and informed about their health, contributing to their satisfaction with the care they receive. Moreover, patients can also provide important context that may not have been captured in written documentation, leading to a more personalized approach to their care.

The other options, while they may appear beneficial, do not capture the essence of what bedside reporting aims to achieve in improving patient outcomes and experiences. For instance, bedside reporting does not inherently decrease the duration of nurse shifts, as the focus is more on quality communication rather than time management. Similarly, while it could theoretically allow for faster drug administration due to improved understanding of patient needs, that is not its primary benefit. Lastly, bedside reporting does not minimize the need for follow-up documentation; proper documentation is still an essential part of nursing practice regardless of the reporting method used.