An institution-wide handoff task force to standardise and improve physician handoffs. Issue 10 (23rd May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horwitz, Leora I; Schuster, Kevin M; Thung, Stephen F; Hersh, David C; Fisher, Rosemarie L; Shah, Nidhi; Cushing, William; Nunes, Judy; Silverman, David G; Jenq, Grace Y
• Is Part Of: BMJ quality & safety. Volume 21:Issue 10(2012)
• Page Start: 863
• Page End: 871
• Publication Date: 2012-05-23
• Subjects: Handoff -- transition of care -- sign-out -- internship and residency -- quality improvement -- communication -- duty hours/work hours -- hand-off -- transitions in care -- surgery -- safety culture -- quality improvement; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Risk management -- Periodicals; Medical errors -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 362.106805
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2011-000658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-5415

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Transfers of care have become increasingly frequent and complex with shorter inpatient stays and changes in work hour regulations. Potential hazards exist with transfers. There are few reports of institution-wide efforts to improve handoffs. Methods: An institution-wide physician handoff task force was developed to proactively address issues surrounding handoffs and to ensure a consistent approach to handoffs across the institution. Results: This report discusses the authors' experiences with handoff standardisation, provider utilisation of a new electronic medical record-based handoff tool, and implementation of an educational curriculum; future work in developing hospital-wide policies and procedures for transfers; and the authors' consensus on the best methods for monitoring and evaluation of trainee handoffs. Conclusion: The handoff task force infrastructure has enabled the authors to take an institution-wide approach to improving handoffs. The task force has improved patient care by addressing handoffs systematically and consistently and has helped create new strategies for minimising risk in handoffs.