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Challenges in the handover process of the new-born with congenital heart disease
Linda Hansson1, Jonas Wrigstad2, Anne-Marie Wangel3
1Skane University Hospital, Clinical Departments of Childrens Surgery, Heart Surgery and Neonatology, PICU, Getingev. 4, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
Insights
The handover of newborns with congenital heart disease is complex. Improving information, communication, and environment is key for better patient safety during transfers to specialized hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Newborns with congenital heart disease require specialized care from multiple medical professionals.
- Care is often provided at tertiary referral hospitals, necessitating patient transport.
- Effective handover is critical for seamless care transitions and patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors influencing the handover process for newborns with congenital heart disease.
- To understand the perspective of receiving healthcare professionals in this process.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted.
- 53 healthcare professionals at a pediatric intensive care unit were surveyed.
- Data analysis included numerical computations and content analysis.
Main Results:
- The handover process for these infants is frequently complicated, with identified flaws.
- Crucial factors for successful handover include structured information, clear communication, and a supportive environment.
- Adequate patient knowledge among staff was also highlighted as important.
Conclusions:
- Standardized procedures for handover phases can enhance communication and the healthcare professional's work environment.
- Implementing standardized protocols is expected to improve overall patient safety for newborns with congenital heart disease.
Introduction:
A new-born with congenital heart disease requires care that involves numerous specialists. Such care can be provided at tertiary referral hospitals and transportation is often needed. A crucial factor is the handover process, when the child is born at a distance, with transfer of both professional responsibility and continued care from one healthcare professional to another.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to identify crucial factors for the receiving healthcare professionals that influence the handover process of the new-born with congenital heart disease.
Method:
A cross-sectional questionnaire study with 53 receiving healthcare professionals at a paediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary referral university hospital in Sweden. The response rate was 48/53. Numerical variables were computed and a content analysis was performed.
Findings:
The handover process of the new-born with heart disease transferred to a tertiary referral hospital is complicated. A clear majority of the respondents identified one or more flaws in this process. Crucial factors identified were: relevant and structured information, clear communication, adequate patient knowledge and an enabling environment.
Conclusion:
A standardised procedure in the different phases of the handover process could improve communication, the working situation for healthcare professionals and thereby increase patient safety.
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