Objective: To propose approaches to improve nursing handoffs for surgical\npatients, including standardization. Background: Handoffs, or the transfer of\naccountability and patient information, can generate potential risks for patient\nsafety. Standardization has been proposed to help improve handoffs. Methods:\nAfter observing 333 nursing handoffs in the surgical wards of our institution,\nwe conducted a thematic content analysis, comparing and contrasting\nthe observations. Results: Handoff processes, including the use of support\ntools, varied among the observations. Common themes in the handoff content\nsuggested possibilities of standardization. About half of the 51 interruptions\noccurring during the observed handoffs were by healthcare professionals.\nConclusions: Standardization to improve handoffs should address both the\ncontent and the process. Interruptions were common and should be avoided\nwhenever possible. Future studies should also consider the use of mobile applications\nto support handoffs and clinical documentation.
Loading....