The effectiveness of standardized handoff reports compared with regular reports
Disciplines
Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background: A nursing handoff report may be described as the responsibility and authority exchange from one nurse to another nurse or doctor during the transfer of patient information. It is the opportunity to assess the patient and ask questions during the information exchange. Therefore, the handoff report during the shift change is critical to protect the patient’s safety, including accurate and related information to the following health carers. Implementing standardized nursing handover forms can enhance the effectiveness of nursing reports, ensure patient safety, and reduce errors. A standardized handoff report would improve patient and nurse satisfaction, reduce medical errors, and reduce reporting time. Purpose: The project aims to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of using standardized report forms versus regular reports in the adult medical-surgical unit. Literature: Current findings on nurses sometimes encountering gaps in knowledge when seeking essential patient information. Quality handoff reports are the starting point for success and safety in patient care plans. Additionally, a positive socioemotional climate and information exchange during the handoff report can improve patient care quality and safety. More studies and research are needed to validate these standards, and more focus should be on future strategies to benefit nursing handoff reports. Methods: Two different report sheets will be provided to the nurses at the same time. One sheet is a pre-printed template, and the other sheet only has blank boxes that require nurses to fill in. Nurses will choose which report sheet to use based on their preferences during the report. Evaluation: The nurse manager will create a poll about which handoff report tool the nurses prefer. After the handoff, nurses will vote on which form they think is easier and more effective for transferring patient information.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
Wellstar School of Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Evah Wangungu
Additional Faculty
Christie Emerson, Nursing, cemerson@kennesaw.edu
The effectiveness of standardized handoff reports compared with regular reports
Background: A nursing handoff report may be described as the responsibility and authority exchange from one nurse to another nurse or doctor during the transfer of patient information. It is the opportunity to assess the patient and ask questions during the information exchange. Therefore, the handoff report during the shift change is critical to protect the patient’s safety, including accurate and related information to the following health carers. Implementing standardized nursing handover forms can enhance the effectiveness of nursing reports, ensure patient safety, and reduce errors. A standardized handoff report would improve patient and nurse satisfaction, reduce medical errors, and reduce reporting time. Purpose: The project aims to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of using standardized report forms versus regular reports in the adult medical-surgical unit. Literature: Current findings on nurses sometimes encountering gaps in knowledge when seeking essential patient information. Quality handoff reports are the starting point for success and safety in patient care plans. Additionally, a positive socioemotional climate and information exchange during the handoff report can improve patient care quality and safety. More studies and research are needed to validate these standards, and more focus should be on future strategies to benefit nursing handoff reports. Methods: Two different report sheets will be provided to the nurses at the same time. One sheet is a pre-printed template, and the other sheet only has blank boxes that require nurses to fill in. Nurses will choose which report sheet to use based on their preferences during the report. Evaluation: The nurse manager will create a poll about which handoff report tool the nurses prefer. After the handoff, nurses will vote on which form they think is easier and more effective for transferring patient information.