Researchers observed the handover process before and after implementation of a standardized process. They observed 38 cardiothoracic patients in the pre-implementation period and 38 patients after the implementation. They also distributed provider satisfaction surveys at each observation during the pre-and post-implementation periods.
Researchers found there was a significant decrease in interruptions in the post-implementation period as compared to the pre-implementation period. There were also significantly fewer handover process errors and fewer information-sharing errors.
A total of 211 providers completed satisfaction surveys in the pre-implementation period and 95 in the post-implementation period.
Responses to the following survey items significantly improved in the post-implementation period:
• Surgery report was satisfactory
• Anesthesia report was satisfactory
• Could hear all the report
• Preoperative anesthesia information was helpful
• Start and end of handover were clear
Additionally, the standardized handover process did not increase handover time.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Survey: 44% of Americans self-diagnose online instead of visiting medical professional
Families less likely to prefer nursing home care for hospice patients, study finds
Stroke care quality for VA patients varies across facilities
