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A qualitative study of shift handover practice and function from a socio-technical perspective.

Micky P Kerr1

  • 1Research Associate, Institute of Work Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. m.p.kerr@sheffiled.ac.uk

Journal of Advanced Nursing
|February 20, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Shift handover in nursing is a complex socio-technical system. Understanding its functions and practices can enhance patient care continuity and promote nursing professionalism.

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Area of Science:

  • Nursing
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Socio-technical Systems

Background:

  • Shift handover is critical for patient care continuity in 24-hour nursing.
  • Existing literature lacks in-depth studies on handover practices and functions.
  • This study aims to understand handover in nursing for improved effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore shift handover practices and functions from a socio-technical perspective.
  • To identify implications of handover practices for patient care effectiveness.
  • To gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of nursing shift handovers.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative case study approach on two pediatric wards.
  • Observation and audio-recording of 20 shift handovers.

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  • Interviews with nursing staff (12 individual, 2 group).

    • Main Results:

    • Handover is a distributed socio-technical system involving time, social interaction, and technology.
    • The system performs informational, social, and educational functions.
    • Effectiveness depends on flexibility in managing competing demands, e.g., confidentiality vs. family-centered care.

    Conclusions:

    • Shift handover is a complex system grounded in socio-technical principles.
    • Nurse-to-nurse communication during handover is highly valuable.
    • Handover reveals hidden nursing knowledge, promoting professionalism.