Midland (Texas) Memorial Hospital cut patient handoff errors in half and created sustainable behavior changes by developing a highly structured, six-stage patient handoff implementation strategy.
Here’s what the hospital’s six-stage implementation strategy entails:
1. Preparing. Gather baseline data on handoff quality indicators, establish a quality improvement plan and organize items for a new protocol and checklist.
2. Launching. Educate providers on the new protocol and checklist in one-hour training sessions, complemented by individualized coaching.
3. Adjusting. Survey providers for feedback on how to enhance and fine-tune the protocol.
4. Boosting. Help providers maintain and improve their effectiveness, with an emphasis on remaining engaged and at bedside throughout the handoff.
5. Formalizing. Make it a formal hospital policy and a requirement.
6. Refreshing. Train new perioperative staff and provide annual training to current staff.
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