Standardized ICU to OR handoff increases communication without delaying surgery

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Patient handoffs between the intensive care unit (ICU) and operating room (OR) are critical junctures with potential for patient harm.
• Previous research has not specifically addressed standardized preoperative handoffs from the ICU to the OR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if a standardized ICU to OR handoff process increases team handoffs and improves patient transport readiness.
• To evaluate the impact of a new handoff protocol on patient safety and care coordination.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multidisciplinary, face-to-face handoff protocol using the I-PASS format.
• Implementation of anticipatory calls from OR nurses to ICU nurses for patient preparation.
• Data collection on handoff frequency, patient readiness, OR turnover time, and provider satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Handoff frequency increased from 25% to 86% (p<0.0001).
• Patient readiness improved from 61% to 97% (p=0.001).
• Anesthesia provider satisfaction scores significantly increased, with no significant changes in OR turnover times.

Conclusions:

• A standardized, team-based ICU to OR handoff enhances patient readiness and provider satisfaction.
• This protocol can be a valuable model for improving transitions of care in other healthcare institutions.
• The intervention addresses a gap in care delivery during a high-risk patient transfer period.