Improving handoffs in the emergency department

Ann Emerg Med. 2010 Feb;55(2):171-80. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.07.016. Epub 2009 Oct 2.

Abstract

Patient handoffs at shift change are a ubiquitous and potentially hazardous process in emergency care. As crowding and lengthy evaluations become the standard for an increasing proportion of emergency departments (EDs), the number of patients handed off will likely increase. It is critical now more than ever before to ensure that handoffs supply valid and useful shared understandings between providers at transitions of care. The purpose of this article is to provide the most up-to-date evidence and collective thinking about the process and safety of handoffs between physicians in the ED. It offers perspectives from other disciplines, provides a conceptual framework for handoffs, and categorizes models of existing practices. Legal and risk management issues are also addressed. A proposal for the development of handoff quality measures is outlined. Practical strategies are suggested to improve ED handoffs. Finally, a research agenda is proposed to provide a roadmap to future work that may increase knowledge in this area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Models, Organizational
  • Risk Management* / methods
  • Risk Management* / organization & administration
  • United States