Strategies to Improve Information Transfer for Multitrauma Patients

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Information transfer for multitrauma patients from the Emergency Department (ED) presents challenges.
• Variability in patient-care documentation and lack of standardization hinder effective communication.
• High-acuity patients experience increased complexity during care transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance access, flow, and consistency of information transfer for multitrauma patients transitioning from the ED.
• To develop and implement an evidence-based intervention to standardize patient information handover.
• To improve the quality and efficiency of communication during critical patient transitions.

Main Methods:

• Multiphase mixed-method study incorporating literature review, focus groups, chart audits, and staff surveys.
• Development of a standardized intervention informed by clinician stakeholders and international trauma forms.
• Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of baseline and post-intervention data.

Main Results:

• Baseline data indicated significant variability and lack of standardization in patient-care documentation.
• Implemented strategies included a gold standard for information in handover tools and enhanced staff awareness.
• Observed improvements in inter-ward communication, documentation quality, reduced duplication, legibility, and navigation efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Effective communication during patient transitions is crucial for safe and effective care continuity.
• Standardized information transfer tools and processes positively impact communication and documentation.
• Addressing complexities in information transfer is essential, particularly for high-acuity multitrauma patients.