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- Title
Time off the ward: an action research approach to reducing nursing time spent accompanying children to X-ray.
- Authors
Beringer, Antonia; Juliet, Heather
- Abstract
Nursing staff on a busy medical ward were concerned about the amount of time spent off the ward accompanying children to X-ray and for other radiological investigations. They chose this as the focus for an action research project. Aim: to improve the process of accompanying a child to X-ray and reduce the amount of time spent off the ward by nursing staff. Method: A facilitated action research approach was used which involved defining the issue, gathering baseline measures, introducing changes in practice and repeating the measures. Outcomes: The changes in practice included telephone negotiation of timings between ward staff and X-ray, the inclusion of X-ray in the orientation programme of new staff and students, and the establishment of a link nurse system. Audits, performed before and after changes in practice, demonstrated that the proportion of time spent in X-ray was halved. Conclusion: Changes in day-to-day practice, implemented at ward level, can have a measurable impact on routine events and in building co-operative relations between departments. The facilitated action research process provided a structure and direction to the process of improving practice whilst providing an opportunity to learn new skills.
- Subjects
ACTION research in nursing; TIME management; NURSING practice; HOSPITAL radiological services; PATIENTS; MEDICAL communication
- Publication
Paediatric Nursing, 2009, Vol 21, Issue 2, p31
- ISSN
0962-9513
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.7748/paed2009.03.21.2.31.c6917