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Handoffs that Last |
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Most clinicians involved in handoffs between the operating room and the intensive care unit would assume the quality of the handoff would affect patient outcomes only in the perioperative period. However, a new study that examined a handoff protocol between the cardiovascular OR and the ICU also decreased unplanned endotracheal (ET) extubations and ventilator time. Specifics of the handoff were written on a laminated bedside flowchart and included reports from both the CT surgeon and anesthesiologist. Although process improvement initiatives had been started to decrease unplanned extubations, these interventions were not successful until after the adaptation of the handoff tool. The authors conclude that the success of the handoff in improving these outcomes were due to the clear report of the post-operative sedation and extubation plans, as well as the inclusion of ET tube securement on the handoff protocol.
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