Using structured communication to improve patient handoffs and reduce medical errors

Communication errors during transfer of care from one clinician to another are a major cause of medical errors. In 2006, The Joint Commission made handoff communications a national patient safety goal. In 2014, the Association of American Medical Colleges included giving and receiving a report to transfer a patient's care as one of the 13 core entrustable professional activities required for entry into residency programs. Communication is the key to successful transfer of patient care from one clinician to another during shift change. A structured method of communication used by all clinicians in high-stakes healthcare settings can ensure all vital information about a patient is given to the receiving clinician.