Electronic handoff instruments: a truly multidisciplinary tool?. (19th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schuster, Kevin M; Jenq, Grace Y; Thung, Stephen F; Hersh, David C; Nunes, Judy; Silverman, David G; Horwitz, Leora I
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Volume 21:Number e2(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: e352
• Page End: e357
• Publication Date: 2014-02-19
• Subjects: Handoff -- transition of care -- nursing -- quality improvement -- patient safety -- nurses; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information Services -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Informatica; Geneeskunde; Informatique médicale; Computer network resources; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1136/amiajnl-2013-002361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-5027

Abstract

Abstract: The objective was to assess use of a physician handoff tool embedded in the electronic medical record by nurses and other non-physicians. We administered a survey to nurses, physical therapists, discharge planners, social workers, and others to assess integration into daily practice, usefulness, and accuracy of the handoff tool. 231 individuals (61% response) participated. 60% used the tool often or usually/always during a shift. Nurses (46%) used the tool for shift transitions and found it helpful for medical history (79%) but not for acquiring medication, allergy, and responsible physician information. Nurses (96%) and others (75%) rated the tool as accurate. Medical nurses rated the tool more useful than surgical nurses, and pediatric nurses rarely used the tool. The tool was integrated into the daily workflow of non-physicians despite being designed for physician use. Non-physicians should be included in the design and implementation of electronic patient handoff systems.