Short Communication, J Nurs Patient Care Vol: 9 Issue: 1
Enhancing Patient Safety: Clinical Nursing Strategies and Best Practices
Yaren Hil*
1Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
*Corresponding Author: Yaren Hil,
Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing,
Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
E-mail:hil@yar.cn
Received date: 19 February, 2024, Manuscript No. JNPC-24-134918;
Editor assigned date: 21 February, 2024, PreQC No. JNPC-24-134918 (PQ);
Reviewed date: 11 March, 2024, QC No. JNPC-24-134918;
Revised date: 20 March, 2024, Manuscript No. JNPC-24-134918 (R);
Published date: 29 March, 2024, DOI: 10.4172/2573-4571.1000049.
Citation: Yaren Hil (2024) Enhancing Patient Safety: Clinical Nursing Strategies and Best Practices. J Nurs Patient Care 9:1.
Description
Patient safety is a fundamental aspect of quality healthcare delivery, and clinical nursing plays an important role in ensuring the well-being of patients. In today's complex healthcare environment [1]. where patients may be vulnerable to a range of risks, it is essential for nurses to implement effective strategies and best practices to safeguard patients from harm. This article explores various clinical nursing strategies and best practices aimed at enhancing patient safety and promoting a culture of safety within healthcare settings [2].
Patient safety encompasses the prevention of errors, adverse events, and harm to patients during the delivery of healthcare services. As frontline caregivers, clinical nurses are responsible for assessing, monitoring, and advocating for the safety of their patients throughout the care continuum [3].
Potential risks and implementing preventive measures for patients
Effective communication: Clear and timely communication among healthcare team members is essential for ensuring safe and coordinated care [4]. Clinical nurses should utilize standardized communication tools such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to convey critical information, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and facilitate seamless transitions of care.
Medication safety: Medication errors are a common cause of adverse events in healthcare settings. Clinical nurses can enhance medication safety by conducting thorough medication reconciliation, verifying medication orders, administering medications safely, and educating patients about their prescribed medications and potential side effects [5].
Fall prevention: Patient falls are a significant safety concern, particularly among older adults and those with mobility impairments. Clinical nurses should assess patients' fall risk upon admission, implement fall prevention strategies such as bed alarms and bedside assistance, and provide education to patients and families about fall prevention measures [6].
Infection control: Healthcare-associated infections pose a serious threat to patient safety and can result in prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity and mortality. Clinical nurses play a vital role in implementing infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to aseptic techniques during invasive procedures [7].
Patient advocacy: Advocating for patients' rights, preferences, and safety is a core responsibility of clinical nurses [8]. Nurses should empower patients to voice their concerns, participate in decisionmaking about their care, and access resources to support their safety and well-being.
Evidence-based practice: Clinical nurses should incorporate the latest evidence-based guidelines and best practices into their clinical decision-making to ensure that care delivery is based on the best available evidence. By staying informed about current research and guidelines, nurses can provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
Continuous quality improvement: Participating in quality improvement initiatives allows clinical nurses to identify areas for improvement implement evidence-based interventions, and monitor outcomes to ensure that care delivery meets established standards of safety and quality [9].
Professional development: Continuing education and professional development are essential for clinical nurses to stay updated on advances in healthcare practice, technology, and safety standards. By pursuing certifications, attending conferences, and engaging in ongoing learning opportunities, nurses can enhance their knowledge and skills to provide safer and more effective care to patients [10].
Interprofessional collaboration: Collaboration among healthcare team members, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals, is essential for promoting patient safety and achieving optimal outcomes. Clinical nurses should actively participate in interdisciplinary rounds, case conferences, and collaborative care planning to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.
Conclusion
Patient safety is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and collaboration of healthcare providers across disciplines. Clinical nurses play a pivotal role in safeguarding patients from harm by implementing effective strategies and best practices aimed at enhancing safety and promoting quality care delivery. By prioritizing effective communication, medication safety, fall prevention, infection control, patient advocacy, evidence-based practice, continuous quality improvement, professional development, and interprofessional collaboration, nurses can contribute to a culture of safety within healthcare settings and ensure the well-being of their patients.
References
- Amoo SA, Menlah A, Garti I, Appiah EO. (2021) Bullying in the clinical setting: Lived experiences of nursing students in the Central Region of Ghana. PloS One. 16(9):e0257620.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Mubeezi MP, Gidman J. (2017) Mentoring student nurses in Uganda: A phenomenological study of mentors’ perceptions of their own knowledge and skills. Nurse Educ Pract. 26:96-101.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Mbakaya BC, Kalembo FW, Zgambo M, Konyani A, Lungu F, et al. (2021) Nursing and midwifery students’ experiences and perception of their clinical learning environment in Malawi: a mixed-method study. BMC Nurs. 19:1-4.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Solum EM, Maluwa VM, Tveit B, Severinsson E. (2016) Enhancing students’ moral competence in practice: Challenges experienced by Malawian nurse teachers. Nurs Ethics. (6):685-697.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Odetola TD, Oluwasola O, Pimmer C, Dipeolu O, Akande SO, et al. (2018) Theory-practice gap: The experiences of Nigerian nursing students. A J Nurs Midwif. 20(1):1-13.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Kaphagawani NC, Useh U. (2018) Clinical supervision and support: exploring pre-registration nursing students’ clinical practice in Malawi. Ann Glob Health. 84(1):100.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Mlaba ZP, Emmamally W. (2019) Describing the perceptions of student nurses regarding barriers and benefits of a peer-mentorship programme in a clinical setting in KwaZulu-Natal. Health SA. 24.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Kamphinda S, Chilemba EB. (2019) Clinical supervision and support: Perspectives of undergraduate nursing students on their clinical learning environment in Malawi. Curationis. 42(1):1-10.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Mhango L, Baluwa M, Chirwa E. (2021) The challenges of precepting undergraduate nursing students in Malawi. Adv Med Educ Pract. 557-563.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Ebu Enyan NI, Boso CM, Amoo SA. (2021) Preceptorship of student nurses in Ghana: a descriptive phenomenology study. Nur Res Pract.
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]