Authors

  1. Donadio, Andrew J. DNP, RN-BC, CNE
  2. Hurley, Shelia PhD, RN, MBA/HC

Article Content

A communication strategy, inspired by the telephone game, was introduced into a postconference for nursing students in their first clinical course to improve communication techniques in end-of-shift handoff reports. This was an effective strategy to teach students the importance of clear communication while prioritizing important information. At the end of the clinical day, students were placed in pairs to give report on the client they had cared for during the clinical day and receive report on the other student's client. Students were given 3 minutes each to complete their report. After the 3 minutes, new pairs were formed, and the students communicated the received report to their new partner. Again 3 minutes were allotted for each student to communicate priorities and important information. After the second team completed their reports, random students were selected to give report to the entire group, and the student who cared for the patient revealed if any valuable data had been lost or if extraneous information was added. The telephone game illustrates the problem with handoffs and reinforces the importance and relevance of capturing information. Students evaluated the activity as increasing their confidence and stating they were more equipped to give an end-of-shift report to a primary nurse.