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

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Effective patient health data handover is crucial for continuity of care.
• No single handover process has been definitively superior in the emergency department context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a standardized handover form for emergency department to hospital ward patient transfers.
• To assess staff perceptions and the impact of a new handover form on clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods approach utilizing focus groups and stakeholder consultation.
• Development of a paper-based patient handover form.
• Evaluation through surveys and audits to gauge implementation and staff feedback.

Main Results:

• The implemented patient handover form was positively received by staff.
• Participants found the form clear, well-designed, and easy to use.
• The form successfully prompted standardization of clinical handover and increased accountability.

Conclusions:

• Structured and standardized content is essential for optimal nursing handovers from the emergency department.
• The developed form provides evidence supporting structured handover processes for consistent emergency department to ward nursing communication.