Keywords

communication standardization, patient handoff, patient safety, patient satisfaction, patient transport

Authors

1. Pesanka, Deborah A. MS, RN
2. Greenhouse, Pamela K. MBA
3. Rack, Laurie L. MSN, RN
4. Delucia, Gail A. BSN, RN
5. Perret, Robert W.
6. Scholle, Carol C. MSN, RN
7. Johnson, Marlon S. RN
8. Janov, Cheryl L. BSN, RN

Abstract

A significant number of medical errors occur during patient handoffs, leading to less than optimal care, patient harm, and even death. The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals require hospitals to implement a standardized approach to "handoff" communications. The authors describe an initiative that focuses on standardization of the physical and informational handoff during hospital transport; outcomes are promising in terms of both patient safety and patient satisfaction.