The study, conducted at Boston Children’s Hospital, had residents incorporate a new handoff bundle in the study units. The bundle consisted of handoff training, using a mnemonic device to standardize verbal handoffs and a new team handoff structure that integrated interns and residents with occasional oversight by an attending or chief resident.
Pre-intervention rates of medical error were 33.8 out of 100 patients, while post-intervention rates of medical error fell to 18.3 out of 100 patients, a 45.8 percent reduction.
The time residents spent on computerized handoff documents and verbal handoffs did not significantly change.
Authors of the study suggest that further improvements and standardizations of the handoff process may lead to improved patient care quality and safety.
More Articles on Patient Handoffs:
Study: Patient Involvement in Nursing Shift Handoffs Improves Care Quality
More Than Half of EDs Lack Standardized Handoffs
3 Barriers to Intershift Communication
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.