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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 1 of 1 Research Studies DisplayedHuff NR, Chimowitz H, DelPico MA
The consequences of emotionally evocative patient behaviors on emergency nurses' patient assessments and handoffs: an experimental study using simulated patient cases.
The purpose of this experimental vignette research study was to explore the impact of emotionally evocative patient behavior and mental illness on 130 emergency nurses' emotions, patient assessments, testing advocacy, and written handoffs. The researchers asked the nurses to complete four multimedia computer-simulated patient encounters in which patient behavior (irritable vs. calm) and mental illness (present vs. absent) were purposely varied. The nurses recorded their emotions and clinical evaluations, recommended diagnostic tests, and provided written handoffs. The study found that the nurses experienced greater negative emotions (anger, unease) and reported decreased engagement when evaluating patients demonstrating irritable (vs. calm) behavior. Nurses also considered patients with irritable (vs. calm) behavior as more likely to exaggerate their pain and as poorer historians, and as less likely to cooperate, return to work, and recover. Nurses' handoffs were more likely to include negative descriptions of patients with irritable (vs. calm) behavior and exclude specific clinical information. The existence of mental illness increased unease and sadness and lead to nurses being less likely to recommend a needed test for a correct diagnosis.
AHRQ-funded; HS025752.
Citation: Huff NR, Chimowitz H, DelPico MA .
The consequences of emotionally evocative patient behaviors on emergency nurses' patient assessments and handoffs: an experimental study using simulated patient cases.
Int J Nurs Stud 2023 Jul; 143:104507. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104507..
Keywords: Emergency Department, Behavioral Health, Nursing, Workflow