Enhancing Dialysis Patient Care Through 'The Briefing Team' Initiative

Background:

"The Briefing Team" is an initiative developed by the Dialysis Department at Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Denmark, operating within the framework of FoC (Fundamentals of Care), which is the framework for development and nursing. Within the FoC framework, challenges related to "quality and safety" were identified, as adverse events were observed when dialysis patients were admitted to other departments. These events could potentially negatively affect patients' trust in healthcare professionals.

To address these challenges, an organizational process was initiated. The aim was to promote a positive feedback culture and facilitate collaboration between the Dialysis Department and other hospital departments, thereby improving quality and safety through knowledge and collaboration. "The Briefing Team" was established, consisting of three nurses from the Dialysis Department. This team serves as a resource and collaborator for nurses working in other departments who treat dialysis patients, who may lack specialised knowledge about kidney diseases and treatments.

Purpose:

The primary aim was to ensure that nurses across different departments possessed the essential knowledge and competence required to provide the best care for dialysis patients.

Method:

The initiative encompassed various activities, including updating patient information in the EPJ (Electronic Patient Journal), distributing the brochure: "Is Your Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis?", and documenting dialysis procedures with new SmartPhrases. Additionally, "The Briefing Team" made visits to different hospital departments, offering education, collaboration and information. They provided pocket cards, bed signs for fistula arms and department guideline documents to support their efforts.

Results:

Nurses from different departments have warmly embraced "The Briefing Team" initiative. They perceive it as a valuable opportunity to acquire specialised knowledge regarding kidney diseases and dialysis. 

Conclusion and Implications for Practice:

"The Briefing Team" initiative has the potential to enhance collaboration and patient care across various departments. Through their educational support and practical assistance, awareness of dialysis treatment is increased, ultimately leading to more efficient and safer patient care.