Analysis of pre and post “white name badges” #hellomynameis survey

Peter MacCallum Cancer centre aims to provide the world’s best patient care. As part of this commitment, our CEO Dale Fisher has pledged to support #hellomynameis for Change Day 2014; by providing clear name badges and also asking our staff to more regularly introduce themselves. A survey was undertaken prior to the introduction of the badges and then after their introduction. Thanks to Change Day and Lee Holmes from KM&T for their support; both the surveys were carried out by our fabulous volunteers (thank you!).

AIM – to determine attitudes of patients and their families to knowing the names of the staff members caring for them

METHODS – an anonymous survey given on a voluntary basis by volunteers

RESULTS – 180 people completed a survey before the badges were introduced and the #hellomynameis campaign. 44 people completed a survey afterwards. The majority were patients (80%) rather than carers or family members (20%). The majority were outpatients.

Outpatients Before the #hellomynameis campaign, 54% of outpatients and carers reported that the person they spoke to introduced themselves. Afterwards, the corresponding figure was 83%.

Inpatients Far more people responded that they knew the name of their inpatient doctors and the nurse looking after them at that time after the #hellomynameis campaign.

It must be noted that we did not ask for the name and check if they had it correct. Recall in the “pre” survey was much better for consultant name than for junior medical officer name, which would be expected. After the white badges were introduced the difference disappeared.

All respondents

Respondents were asked to rate a number of statements:

“Peter Mac staff always introduce themselves to me” People agreeing increased from 78% to 88%.

“It is easy to see Peter Mac staff’s name badges.” People who did not agree or strongly agree decreased from 37% to 24%.

“It’s important to know the names of the staff looking after me.” 88% agreed or strongly agreed in the first survey, with 86% in the second survey.

“ (I) suffer from memory loss, so it is important for staff to reiterate names” “It makes me feel like I am more than just a number in a queue” “Makes me feel more like a real person”

Conclusion

Nearly 90% of patients and carers report that it is important to know the name of the staff member caring for them.

The proportion of outpatients who reported that staff had introduced themselves increased by around 50%, from 54% to 83%.

Self-reported recall of inpatients and carers for the names of the nurses and doctors looking after them has been dramatically improved after the introduction of the white name badges and the #hellomynameis campaign, from 64% to 89% for nurses, and 50% to 86% for doctors.

Dr Sonia Fullerton Director Pain and Palliative Care Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre www.petermac.org