Keywords

medical-surgical patients, patient anxiety, patient experience, rural hospital

 

Authors

  1. Baldwin, Kathleen M. PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN
  2. Spears, Mary Joy MSN, RN, CNL, CMSRN

Abstract

Purpose: The study's purpose was to explore the patient experience in an intervention group participating in nursing bedside report and the control group not participating.

 

Design: This descriptive, observational study had 3 objectives: (1) to measure baseline anxiety on admission to the hospital using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, (2) to describe patient self-reported anxiety and patient experiences during hospitalization, and (3) to evaluate the opinions by the intervention group about participating in nursing bedside report.

 

Methods: This mixed-methods study included quantitative and qualitative data. Three data collection tools were used: a demographic data tool, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and daily journal entries. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data using content analysis.

 

Results: There were no differences in baseline anxiety scores between patient groups. Anxiety levels decreased during hospitalization. About 73% of patients completed their journals. Themes that emerged were patients' perceptions of care, patient engagement, communication, and teamwork.

 

Conclusions: Journal responses showed communication played a significant role in patients' perceptions of their patient experience. Because patients exhibited different baseline anxiety levels, assessing anxiety level on admission may help nurses develop plans of care that improve the patient experience. Further study is needed about the patient experience.