Korean nurses' perspectives regarding handoffs

Abstract

Background: Nursing handoffs are communicative routines in most nursing units. The handoff is critical to the continuity and safety of patient care. Negative perceptions of handoffs could hinder efficient communication between nurses.

Aims: This study identified the perceptions of nurses' handoffs in Korea.

Design: A descriptive survey was employed. The population included nurses who worked in a general ward in 201 hospitals with more than 300 beds.

Results: 27.9% responded that the current handoff method needed to be changed and 75.8% had no handoff-related guideline. "Handoffs are frequently interrupted by outsiders' visits" was the most frequent problem expressed. Variables associated with a perceived need for change in handoff methods were age, handoff method, and preparation time for handoffs.

Conclusion: Nurses recognized that handoffs were frequently interrupted by external factors and consumed too much time. Therefore, a standardized handoff method is needed to ensure the accuracy of information.

Keywords: nursing; patient handoff; patient safety; perception.