Engaging patients and families in communication across transitions of care: An integrative review.

<bold>Objective: </bold>To determine the current evidence about patient and family engagement in communication with health professionals during transitions of care to, within and from acute care settings.<bold>Methods: </bold>An integrative review using seven international databases was conducted for 2003-2017. Forty eligible studies were analysed and synthesised using framework synthesis.<bold>Results: </bold>Four themes: 1) Partnering in care: patients and families should be partners in decision-making and care; 2) Augmenting communication during transitions: intrinsic and extrinsic factors supported transition communication between patients, families and health professionals; 3) Impeding information exchange: the difficulties faced by patients and families taking an active role in transition; and 4) Outcomes of communication during transitions: reported experiences for patients, families and health professionals.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>While attitudes towards engaging patients and family in transition communication in acute settings are generally positive, current practices are variable. Structural supports for practice are not always present.<bold>Practice Implications: </bold>Organisational strategies to improve communication must incorporate an understanding of patient needs. A structured approach which considers timing, privacy, location and appropriateness for patients and families is needed. Communication training is required for patients, families and health professionals. Health professionals must respect a patient's right to be informed by regularly communicating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]