Authors

  1. Shamailov, Maya MSN, APRN, AG-CNS, PCCN
  2. Neal, Suzanne BSN, RN, CMSRN
  3. Bena, James F. MS
  4. Morrison, Shannon L. MS
  5. Albert, Nancy M. PhD, CCNS, CHFN, CCRN, FAAN

Abstract

Background: Purposeful hourly rounding and information on whiteboards in patients' rooms have been known to reduce use of call lights.

 

Problem: Call light activation was higher than desired.

 

Methods: This continuous improvement initiative used retrospective data collection (pre-, early- and maintenance postintervention) to assess call light responsiveness.

 

Intervention: A bundled purposeful hourly rounding approach was used.

 

Results: Call light frequency was higher in the early postintervention period than in the preintervention; however, there was no change in the frequency of call lights that extended beyond 5 minutes. In the maintenance postintervention period, compared with the pre- and early postintervention periods, call lights per patient/unit day and call lights extending beyond 5 minutes per patient/unit day decreased (all P < .001).

 

Conclusions: Activation of a bundled purposeful hourly rounding approach was associated with a decrease in all call lights and call lights extending beyond 5 minutes per patient/unit day.