Chinese whispers in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU)

We audited verbal handover of information by anaesthetists to recovery room nurses based on Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation. In Audit A, 100 handovers for elective procedures were included. For audit B, a second cohort of 100 patients was examined post educational session. There was an improvement in handover of medical background (46.15% Audit A, 77% Audit B, p < 0.001) and allergy status (42% Audit A, 56% Audit B, p = 0.048). Handing over immediate postoperative instructions remained unchanged (58% Audit A, 59% Audit B) and there was a 4% decline in verbal handover of instructions for ward care. Nurse satisfaction with handovers improved by 12%. We conclude that a structured process of information transfer, led to improved handover of immediate care. Further education focussed on the importance of instructions for the ward to maintain continuity of care is recommended.