Improving Handoffs: Implementing a Training Program for Incoming Internal Medicine Residents.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Graduate medical education programs require handoff training for residents.
• Best practices for implementing effective handoff training are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a bundled, standardized handoff training approach during intern orientation.
• To assess the impact of the training on intern comfort, confidence, and knowledge regarding handoffs.

Main Methods:

• Incoming internal medicine interns participated in a 3-part Care Transitions workshop.
• The workshop included an introduction to the I-PASS handoff tool, case discussions, and simulation.
• Pre- and post-workshop surveys and analysis of handoff documents were used to assess outcomes.

Main Results:

• Interns reported significantly improved comfort and confidence in performing handoffs post-workshop.
• The number of interns reporting prior handoff training increased from 45% to 63% over three years.
• Documentation of illness severity using the I-PASS tool reached 99.4%.

Conclusions:

• The Care Transitions workshop effectively enhanced intern preparedness for patient handoffs.
• The training resulted in lasting improvements in both intern competency and documentation practices.
• Standardized handoff training is crucial for improving patient safety and clinical learning environments.