Multiple handoffs during perioperative care present opportunities for error. This article outlines a conceptual framework to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient-centered handoffs during perioperative care. The authors describe a multi-component handoff improvement bundle including mnemonics and checklists (such as I-PASS), technology solutions to reinforce verbal handoffs, interprofessional handoff training and assessment, and leadership support to promote safety culture.

… future educational interventions. … Riesenber LA,  LA, Davis R, Heng A, et al. Anesthesiology patient handoff education …

… physical examination training. … Russo S, Berg K, Davis J, et al. Incoming interns recognize inadequate …

This study used a mixed-methods approach to characterize the impact of two academic fellowships in Quality Improvement Patient Safety (QIPS) to both graduates and their respective institutions. Students in these programs reported a positive impact of the fellowship on their careers, with nearly all being involved in QIPS administration, research or education upon graduation. Interviewed mentors also generally thought the fellowships were important and the resulting research had departmental, institutional and even national importance.

This analysis of specialty-specific milestones for graduate medical education found that about 40% mentioned patient safety or quality improvement. Emphasis on patient safety and quality improvement skills varied by specialty. The authors conclude that patient safety concepts are addressed in graduate medical education competencies.

This systematic review examined the effect of handoff improvement interventions on patient outcomes. Studies were so heterogenous that authors could not reliably synthesize results, and they recommend more rigorous prospective controlled studies with pre-specified patient outcomes. A previous WebM&M commentary discusses strategies to enhance handoffs.

Incomplete handoffs and poor communication regarding key clinical information may lead to adverse events. According to this systematic review, current research on bedside nursing handoffs suggests this method (conducting handoffs at the patient's bedside, instead of in a conference room or nurses' station) can improve patient and staff satisfaction, but evidence regarding its effect on patient safety is largely lacking.

This review assessed the literature on nursing handoffs. Although numerous strategies were anecdotally reported to be helpful, there was little empirical research to support them.