Interruptions During Senior Nurse Handover in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Study. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spooner, Amy J.; Chaboyer, Wendy; Aitken, Leanne M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing care quality. Volume 34:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: bedside handoff -- handover -- intensive care unit -- interruptions -- quality improvement; Nursing -- Standards -- Periodicals; Nursing audit -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Nurse administrators -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000345
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-3631

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Interruptions during handover may compromise continuity of care and patient safety. Local Problem: Interruptions occur frequently during handovers in the intensive care unit. Methods: A quality improvement study was undertaken to improve nursing team leader handover processes. The frequency, source, and reason interruptions occurred were recorded before and after a handover intervention. Interventions: The intervention involved relocating handover from the desk to bedside and using a printed version of an evidence-based electronic minimum data set. These strategies were supported by education, champions, reminders, and audit and feedback. Results: Forty handovers were audiotaped before, and 49 were observed 3 months following the intervention. Sixty-four interruptions occurred before and 52 after the intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant. Team leaders were frequently interrupted by nurses discussing personal or work-specific matters before and after the intervention. Conclusions: Further work is required to reduce interruptions that do not benefit patient care.