Shift To Shift Handoff Report Essay

1340 Words3 Pages

Shift-to-Shift Handoff Report Caring for a large number of patients in hospitals daily can result in up to four shift changes in 24 hours and potential opportunities for miscommunication resulting in errors and adverse events. These preventable errors can lead to deaths, chronic illnesses, injuries, disabilities and a huge financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Literature from several countries indicates that almost 60- 70% of adverse events in hospitals are caused by breakdown of communication including those happening during shift-to-shift handoff reports. Over the past fifteen years, there has been an abundance of research related to handoffs so is there a best practice for shift-to-shift handoff report? Perspectives …show more content…

Identifying the handoff practices currently in use will demonstrate the endeavor to examine options and recommend approaches for the future. Diverse forms of handoffs at different occasions for a large group of physicians, medical residents, nurses, allied health professionals and student clinicians from different disciplines have created inconsistencies. Besides, the bedside shift report has impacted patient and family satisfaction with the continuum of care. Examining a number of models, protocols, tools, standards and trends concerning patient-centered handoffs will highlight implications for the best practice. Recommendation for safer and more effective handoffs to improve practice and reach sustainable outcomes will be discussed to promote multidisciplinary approaches for patient-centered care. The transfer of critical information and accountability for patient care from one clinician to another is an essential component of communication in …show more content…

The purposes of a handoff report are mainly to convey essential patient care information, plan and organize treatment, debrief, enhance teamwork and provide education. Handoff is a complex issue as it happens at a variety of instances and stages of patient care in different settings. Moreover, it involves several clinicians with diverse skill-sets, education, experience, expertise and priorities (Berger, Sten & Stockwell,

More about Shift To Shift Handoff Report Essay

Open Document