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Review
. 2017 Dec;33(5):536-543.
doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2017.10.002. Epub 2017 Oct 26.

Nurse Handoff Communication

Anne Ray Streeter, Nancy Grant Harrington
Review

Nurse Handoff Communication

Anne Ray Streeter et al. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2017 Dec.

Erratum in

Abstract

Objective: To describe the communication behaviors identified by nurses as key to a competent patient handoff at change of shift.

Data sources: Qualitative analysis of nurse descriptions of best and worst handoffs from the incoming and outgoing nursing perspective.

Conclusion: Competent, quality nursing handoffs include specific information exchange and socioemotional (relational) communication behaviors.

Implications for nursing practice: A communication-based perspective may be useful in establishing handoff routines that reduce communication-related patient care errors and foster a positive nursing environment.

Keywords: information exchange; medical communication competence; nurse shift report; patient handoff; relational communication; socioemotional communication.

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