Identifying What's Vital in Shift Handover: The ABC-VITAL Model for ED Transitions.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Shift handover in emergency departments (EDs) is a critical process impacting patient safety, care continuity, and staff well-being.
• Existing handover protocols may not adequately address the multifaceted nature of this event.
• A need exists for a comprehensive model to optimize ED shift change communication and operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the ABC-VITAL model for shift handover in emergency departments.
• To provide a structured framework that integrates clinical, human, and strategic elements of handover.
• To offer an adaptable model for diverse ED settings and complexities.

Main Methods:

• Development of the ABC-VITAL model from the convergence of healthcare management, emergency medicine, and academic leadership.
• Structuring the model around three core components: Assistance, Balance, and Closure.
• Integrating the ID-VITAL framework for structured clinical communication within the Assistance component.

Main Results:

• The ABC-VITAL model provides a systematic approach to shift handover.
• Assistance component ensures structured, decision-oriented clinical communication.
• Balance component addresses interpersonal dynamics and psychological safety.
• Closure component enhances operational planning and team synchronization.

Conclusions:

• The ABC-VITAL model reframes shift handover as a clinical, human, and strategic process.
• Implementation has the potential to significantly influence organizational culture in EDs.
• This model offers a robust framework for improving ED operational efficiency and patient care outcomes.