Systematic Review of Quality Improvement Projects Related to Intershift Nursing Handover.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nursing handover is critical for patient care continuity and safety.
• Effective information exchange between nurses is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of quality improvement (QI) projects on intershift nursing handover.
• To identify effective QI strategies for improving handover processes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of databases (2009-2019).
• Included studies focused on QI projects, nurse-to-nurse handover, and intershift handover.
• Quality appraisal using the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS).

Main Results:

• Two primary QI approaches were identified: standardized communication tools and patient-participation bedside handover.
• These methods were implemented across 22 QI projects.

Conclusions:

• Standardized tools and patient-participation bedside handover reduce adverse events and handover duration.
• These QI interventions increase patient and nurse satisfaction.
• Future research should focus on quantifying patient safety outcomes.