Researchers have identified a number of barriers to smooth handoffs and effective communications, according to a study published in BMJ Quality and Safety.
For their study, researchers studied shift handoffs between nurses through interviews, surveys, audio taping and direct observation of handoffs, post-handoff questionnaires and archival coding of clinical records.
They found incoming and outgoing nurses had different expectations for a good handoff. For instance, incoming nurses wanted conversations with questions and eye contact. Comparatively, outgoing nurses wanted to explain patient care without any interruption. Researchers also suggested a power struggle between incoming and outgoing nurses. They concluded improvement efforts should focus on standardizing handoffs.
For their study, researchers studied shift handoffs between nurses through interviews, surveys, audio taping and direct observation of handoffs, post-handoff questionnaires and archival coding of clinical records.
They found incoming and outgoing nurses had different expectations for a good handoff. For instance, incoming nurses wanted conversations with questions and eye contact. Comparatively, outgoing nurses wanted to explain patient care without any interruption. Researchers also suggested a power struggle between incoming and outgoing nurses. They concluded improvement efforts should focus on standardizing handoffs.
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