Patient information is at the center of correct and evidence-based medical executions. Tegegne et al. (2022) assert that handling patient data is an essential and sensitive attribute that should receive the proper attention from all stakeholders, especially professionals associated with transmission during shift reports. Further, Paul et al. (2023) confirm that clinical handovers are conspicuous with extensive challenges such as poor coordination, communication, time management, and non-use of checklists. However, the totality of factors contributing to patient information transmission errors is extensive, prompting a keener understanding of the associated causes and implications. Differences in patients’ cases and situations start with varied handling of transmission of information during shift reports and, consequently, different realities in errors, breaches of confidentiality, and adverse outcomes in transmitting critical patient data. Because of the in-practice requirements, outcomes, and implications of patient information transmission, it is necessary to carefully analyze the factors contributing to errors, confidentiality breaches, and adverse effects in transmitting critical patient data.
Clinical Question
Several stakeholders execute the transmission of patient data and are directly responsible for patient safety. Often, the exchange of patient data during shifts needs more structure, is rushed, and is commonly affiliated with numerous distractions. Factors like understaffing, long working hours, fatigue, and personal errors may compromise patient information. According to Tegegne et al. (2023), the reality of current patient information transfer is critical, especially since the US is experiencing a 1.1 million nurse shortage.
The issues associated with the transfer of patient information lead to the misinterpretation or omission of critical patient information. Paul et al. (2022) caution that this outcome instigates liability issues and safety risks for patients and practitioners. Furthermore, Tegegne et al. (2023) note that more than 40% of all serious medical errors are affiliated with shift change miscommunications. Besides, the reduced attention to detail, fatigue, and lack of coordination can result in patient information being accessed by unauthorized entities. Overall, the shift-related mishandling of patient data resonates with inaccuracies in medical treatment and preventable delays in legal and ethical liabilities.
The PICOT question selected for this excursion is “Among healthcare professionals involved in patient information transmission during shift reports (P), what are the factors (I) that contribute to errors, breaches of confidentiality, and adverse outcomes in transmitting critical patient data (O) compared to those without regular exposure to high-risk patients (C)?” This question explores the importance of careful, informed, and sure handling of patient information for the stakeholders through effective collaboration, professionalism, and attention in shift report transfers.
This group activity seeks to identify the factors contributing to the adverse handling of patient data transfer during shifts. The information accessed in this analysis will be utilized to enhance the safety and quality of handling shift reports. Therefore, addressing the subject issues involved in patient information transfer will culminate in alleviating preventable mistakes and elevating the standard of care across healthcare facilities.
Levels of Evidence
The PICO question posed in this analysis is related to the need to instigate the proper handling of patient information during shift report transfers. According to Basil et al. (2022), the best way to create practical and effective methods of patient information transfer is by correctly identifying errors, miscommunication, and breaches of confidentiality. The improper handling of patient information affects patients and practitioners across all ages. Therefore, this etiological question focuses on the informed understanding of in-shift patient reporting errors and breaches.
The intricate nature of analyzing the factors affecting the proper handling of patient information during shift transfers necessitates a hybrid approach. For this research, a qualitative and quantitative approach will be utilized to reach a statistically valid solution to avert errors, breaches of confidentiality, and adverse outcomes in transmitting critical patient data. Accurate statistical data can be quantitatively utilized to understand the incidences and effects of poor patient information transmission during shift reports. Also, qualitative evidence can help create subjective conclusions and subjective attributions to help caregivers subscribe to responsible and professional handling of patient information during shift transfers.
Search Strategy
A systematic approach was integrated to attain a practical analysis of the elements of research associated with the errors, breaches of confidentiality, and adverse outcomes in transmitting critical patient data. The first source by Basil et al. (2022) was located using the keywords “patient information,” “shifts,” “confidentiality,” and “errors.” The search period was confined to five years, beginning in 2019. I selected this article from the 60 search results because it resonated highly and aligned with the subject research requirements. Also, this article was a primary source published on a reputable NHS website. The abstract also outlined the source’s validity and accuracy in meeting the effective handling of patient information.
The second article, A systematic analysis of failures in protecting personal health data, by Pool et al. (2024), was reached by using keywords such as “patient information” and “shift.” “errors,” “confidentiality,” and “high-risk” in the database. The search results were filtered from sources within the past five years. I considered articles from the third page to avoid picking similar articles with my classmates, after which I assessed the abstracts to determine the relevance of selected articles. This article was passed as a source of quality information to fill the informational gap associated with averting errors, breaches of confidentiality, and adverse outcomes in transmitting critical patient data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the need to handle patient information carefully requires effective transfer to avoid issues such as errors and breaches of confidentiality. As analyzed, all stakeholders are responsible for conducting their roles in approaches that enhance effective communication during shift changes. The insights proposed in this research will help create a safe, secure, and quality handling of patient information to avert inherent errors.
References
Basil, N. N., Ambe, S., Ekhator, C., & Fonkem, E. (2022). Health Records Database and Inherent Security Concerns: A Review of the Literature. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30168
Pool, J. K., Akhlaghpour, S., Fatehi, F., & Burton‐Jones, A. (2024). A systematic analysis of failures in protecting personal health data: A scoping review. International Journal of Information Management, 74, 102719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102719
Tegegne, M. D., Melaku, M. S., Shimie, A. W., Hunegnaw, D. D., Legese, M. G., Ejigu, T. A., Mengestie, N. D., Zemene, W., Zeleke, T., & Chanie, A. F. (2022). Health professionals’ knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality and associated factors in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study. BMC Medical Ethics, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-022-00765-0
Paul, M., Μαγλαράς, Λ., Ferrag, M. A., & Almomani, I. (2023). Digitization of healthcare sector: A study on privacy and security concerns. ICT Express, 9(4), 571–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icte.2023.02.007
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