‘Sound of silence’ – changing from an oral to a computer-mediated handover

Abstract

In this article, we study the change from oral to computer-mediated handover among nurses in the psycho-geriatric ward at the University Hospital of Northern Norway. We explore what issues are at stake when introducing written handover to a particular nursing practice. At the core of nursing documentation is the electronic care plan, and we discuss its role and interplay vis-à-vis the other information sources in the ward. Furthermore, we examine the inherent tension between the increased pressure (among nurses) to document on the one hand, and the need to discuss patient issues first on the other. Finally, we discuss how the use of the care plan, video-projector and the newly established morning meeting collectively served as a basis for a new and better collaborative setting for the nurses.

Keywords:

• care plans
• nursing handover
• oral reports
• nursing documentation