Handoffs
Handoffs occur when a new provider joins a patient’s care team. Handoffs are necessary during main transitions such as those from the preoperative to intraoperative and then postoperative settings, as well as during more subtle transitions, such as when one operating room circulator replaces another. “In an [ambulatory surgery center], people assume that because [it’s] small, everybody knows what’s going on,” Ms. Vinson says. “But it doesn’t mean everybody knows changes on [each] patient. The size does not affect how handoffs should be addressed.”
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Communication
Clear, consistent communication is imperative for safe handoffs and patients’ continuity of care. Ms. Vinson says this communication should be verbal and delivered in person directly to the subsequent caregiver. Providers should share any information that may affect the patient’s care. While different for every case, some basic information that should be communicated during a handoff includes the patient’s name, current condition, physical or mental limitations, pertinent medical history and anticipated changes in condition. Verification of the patient’s name during a handoff is critical but often overlooked, according to Ms. Vinson. Providers need to confirm they are communicating about the same and correct patient before proceeding.
Policy
Ms. Vinson says the most effective way to ensure essential data is relayed between providers is to create a handoff policy that explains the framework for effective communication rather than listing information to communicate. “Every patient is so different. Develop a framework rather than specifically identifying every little thing that should be communicated,” she says. A policy that outlines a handoff process allows providers to tailor communication for a particular patient rather than restricting providers to certain topics. An effective policy should also include the definition of a handoff and an explanation of its importance for the continuity of care and patient safety, Ms. Vinson says.
Related Articles on Handoffs:
Patient Safety Tool: Medications at Transitions and Clinical Handoffs Toolkit for Medication Reconciliation
Patient Safety Tool: 10 Patient Handoff Communications Tools
Patient Safety Tool: Transitions of Care Checklist
