Implementing a Standardized Handoff Checklist
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Chelsea Harris (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Vadim Korogoda
Abstract: The transfer of care between healthcare providers is a crucial time. Accuracy and completeness are key in determining the quality of the patient care by the receiving provider. The Joint Commission determined lack of communication as the number one cause of sentinel events leading to patient harm in 2014 (Joint Commission, 2014). Handoff reports are often casual and incomplete which can lead to errors and poor-quality care. Handoff report between anesthesia and PACU staff is a critical time and the focus of this project. Improving handoff report in the PACU can decrease unnecessary medication errors, improve communication, and overall improve patient care. A standardized handoff checklist tool was formulated and implemented for use by CRNAs and SRNAs. The handoff checklist tool was presented to the CRNAs and SRNAs at the facility. They were taught why a standardized process is necessary, about the handoff checklist tool, and how to use the handoff checklist. After the meeting, the handoff checklist tool was implemented for a three-week period. After the three-week period ended, a survey was administered to CRNAs and SRNAs that utilized the handoff checklist evaluating their feedback on the tool. Analysis of results showed the new handoff checklist increased efficiency, improved patient safety, verbal communication, and quality of handoff report. Staff also indicated it was very likely the handoff checklist would be used again in the future.
Implementing a Standardized Handoff Checklist
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Created on 2/3/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- Handoff Checklist, Anesthesia, PACU