The implementation of a standardized handoff process across 23 children's hospitals resulted in a significant decrease in handoff-related care failures, according to a study published in Pediatrics.
The quality improvement collaborative that included 23 children's hospitals was guided by evidence-based recommendations regarding handoff intent and content, standardized handoff tools/methods and clear transition of responsibility. Researchers analyzed 7,864 handoffs over the 12-month study period.
The study found that handoff-related care failures decreased from 25.8 percent at baseline to 7.9 percent in the final intervention period. Also compliance with handoff process elements also improved — 86 percent to 96 percent for achieving a common understanding about the patient; 92 percent to 96 percent for clear transition of responsibility; and 84 percent to 90 percent for minimized interruptions and distractions.
Also, overall satisfaction with the handoff increased from 55 percent to 70 percent.
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