When the patient is absent during handover, they are labelled through the use of medical diagnosis or room number to name them (Parker, 2004). Derogatory labelling is also used calling patients and/or family ‘needy or demanding’ which can affect the incoming nurses’ opinion of the patient (Strophe & Ottani, 2006). It is interesting that less patient contact and nursing time is spent with a patient labelled as ‘difficult’ (Strople & Ottani, 2006). Patient and family centered care has gained popularity as a preferable model of care, as the patient and family are the constant within the hospital experience (WHO, 2007). Nurses come and go but the patient remains, giving them the opportunity to be in charge of their care.
A bedside patient
