Walking shift report

In our ICU though its only 10 beds, we do a group report. It was not what I was use to when I came here; however it works. It allows everyone working to get report. We do just about everything on computer from charting to BVM (scanning medications).

My last assignment did this, kinda. We were required to walk through with the on-coming nurse, THEN go back to the station and give a verbal too. We never got out on time.

Would a walking report be a HIPAA violation ? I can imagine that other patients, passers by and visitors might hear private information.

Anyone know ?

Would a walking report be a HIPAA violation ? I can imagine that other patients, passers by and visitors might hear private information.

Anyone know ?

that was my thought, especially for me, d/t a hearing deficit//

Would a walking report be a HIPAA violation ? I can imagine that other patients, passers by and visitors might hear private information.

Anyone know ?

When i worked in a nursing home in Illinois, we always practiced walking rounds until one day the State was there doing their annual inspection during the 3pm report. The investigator suggested that we stop this practice because other patients were likely hearing the report.

It neer was written up as a violation and no fines were imposed, but she strongly suggested that we stop the practice of walking rounds. Basically threatening to bring it up as a violation.

HIPAA allows for inadvertent overhearing of information in the course of providing care. Reasonable measures should be taken to keep discussions private - such as talking in low voices or stepping away from crowded areas. To demand that all health personnel step into a private room to say anything about a patient because someone might overhear it would be a hindrance to efficient care.

When I was on Medical Floor, sometimes one nurse would have to give report to three oncoming nurses. Report was always verbal in the breakroom, and if there was something that needed to be shown or pointed out, the day nurse waited until report to nights was over before they went to the room that needed visual.

We have been doing walking rounds for about 2 months now. I would much rather do walking rounds than private report. less gossip (not none, but less) occurs as well as you are actually able to view the pt in their environment and can actually see touch and hear them. There are no second guesses. If an IV has infiltrated, you can see it. If a tube is disconnected, it is fairly obvious. If the pt is simply a PITA, then it will be more obvious than just hearing that they are one. I did like getting report in private rooms (and report times last about the same amount of time), but gossip tends to grow where others can't hear it.

As far as HIPAA violations, all of our staff were concerned about that. Our NM went on a wild goose chase with the other NMs in the hospital, to gather evidence to present to the rest of us in staff meetings. We wouldn't believe her, or even go along with the idea unless info was presented. The info she brought to us consisted of just what jjjoy stated. Supposedly, it is only a violation if we as staff directly tell pt B what is going on with pt A. It does not affect hearsay. wierd huh? We thought so.

So overall, we like it now, besides staff is always on the floor, whereas before during report, only nursing assistants and LPNs (if we were that lucky) were the only ones on the floor. It does seem to make report go faster and work tends to be more thorough.

PS - we try to remain outside of the room if dealing with isolation type pts or if they are sleeping (however some nurses still want to go in and wake up the pt - MEAN!!!!!!!!!!)

My first job was on a busy (is there any other kind) stepdown/tele unit. We did walking rounds for report. At its best you could meet the patient, do a quikie assessment and the nurse going off could show the nurse coming on any problems right then. As a new nurse I really appreciated it. At its worst you have 3 nurses picking up your group and you are hours behind on charting. You keep having to get up from the computer to go with another nurse to report off. Some of the more experienced nurses simply stood in the hall away from the nurses station and did report there. I really wanted to see what was going on if there was a problem and I did not have to try and read someone elses's mind about what was charted. That said, I liked it. There are always those days that just suck no matter what.

Thanks for all of the info, it is shedding new light on the idea. I appreciate it.