|
Are handoffs getting better? |
|
Handoffs, the communication of patient information between caregivers during shift changes and care transitions are frequently discussed in patient safety. Although many articles have been written and many tools have been created, have we made any progress? A team from Yale New Haven examined written tools used by different physician practices in their large academic medical center for completeness. They found out of 457 standardized electronic handoff tools reviewed, 96% had been updated within 24 hours; however, they were often incomplete and varied between specialties. Practitioners often failed to document relevant clinical findings and treatment plans; only 34% of surgical handoffs were complete. The highest completion rates were in pediatrics at 72%. Although a high tech, EMR-based tool was used, there was no evidence all relevant information was communicated. Progress has been made, but we still have a long way to go.
Read more |
