Improving Communication Between ICU Nurses and Anesthesia Providers Using a Standardized Handoff Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Quality Improvement
• Healthcare Communication
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Effective handoff communication is critical for patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Current handoff processes between ICU nurses and anesthesia providers can be inconsistent, potentially leading to errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a standardized preoperative handoff protocol for nonemergent, noncardiac procedures.
• To improve the quality of communication during patient transfers from the ICU to the operating room.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project was conducted.
• A pre-populated handoff tool, adapted from the electronic medical record (EMR) for perioperative use, was implemented after staff education.
• Provider perceptions and satisfaction with handoff communication were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The standardized handoff tool was utilized in 76% of 128 transfers during the 1-month implementation phase.
• Provider dissatisfaction with communication decreased from 40% pre-implementation to 14% post-implementation.
• 40% of providers reported that the protocol increased accurate information sharing without delaying care.

Conclusions:

• A standardized handoff tool significantly improves information sharing and provider satisfaction during patient transfers.
• This protocol offers a cost-effective method to reduce errors by minimizing reliance on recall.
• Long-term benefits may include reduced adverse patient events and improved patient outcomes.