Effects of the I-PASS nursing handoff bundle on communication quality and workflow.
Handoffs increase the risk of adverse events, mainly due to lapses in communication. Implementation of a standardized approach to handoffs may help improve patient safety. This prospective pre–post intervention study examined the impact of a multicomponent handoff intervention consisting of education, verbal handoff mnemonic implementation (I-PASS), and visual aids on nursing handoffs. Researchers used assessment tools to evaluate both the quality and duration of handoffs. Implementation of the intervention was associated with an overall improvement in the handoff process and did not adversely impact nursing workflow. A previous Annual Perspective highlighted safety issues related to handoffs and care transitions.