Optimising the emergency to ward handover process: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: The effective handover of patient health data from the emergency department to other hospital units is integral for the continuity of patient care. Yet no handover process has been identified as superior to others within this context.

Methods: This study within a regional Australian hospital employed mixed methods approach including focus groups and key stakeholder consultation to develop a handover form appropriate for patient transfer from the emergency department to a variety of clinical areas. Paper-based surveys and audits were then employed to evaluate the implementation and understand staff perceptions of the form.

Results: The implementation of a patient handover form within the emergency setting was well received. Participants indicated that the form is clear, well designed and easy to navigate. It provided prompts to standardise their clinical handover and increased their accountability and responsibility within this process.

Conclusions: To deliver an optimal nursing handover from the emergency department to various wards handovers should be structured and provide standardised content. The positive reception and use of this form provides evidence that a structured handover process can ensure standardisation of emergency department to ward nursing handovers.

Keywords: Communication; Emergency nursing; Handover; Patient handoff.