Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
24.3K
When More May Be Better: Reconceptualizing Clinical Handoffs in Modern Medicine
Kathryn E Berlin1, Jian Zhang2, Ke Yan2
1Pediatrics/Neonatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
Cureus
|January 5, 2026
Summary
More frequent clinical handoffs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were linked to shorter hospital stays for infants with gastroschisis. This suggests handoffs can be opportunities to improve care and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Patient safety
- Healthcare systems analysis
Background:
- Clinical handoffs are traditionally seen as patient safety risks, potentially causing miscommunication and longer hospitalizations.
- Standardized handoff training is now mandated by accreditation bodies, integrating these processes into healthcare.
- In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), handoffs may offer chances to improve care for infants with complex conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- This study investigated the association between the number of clinical handoffs and the length of stay (LOS) for neonates diagnosed with gastroschisis.
- To determine if handoff frequency impacts hospitalization duration in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed data from neonates with gastroschisis admitted to a level IV NICU between 2012 and 2020.
- Handoffs were quantified by the number of unique neonatologists and pediatric surgeons involved in patient care.
- Statistical analyses, including correlation and multivariable models, were used to assess the relationship between handoffs and LOS, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- The study included 87 neonates with gastroschisis; the median number of handoffs was 21, and the median length of stay was 31 days.
- A higher frequency of handoffs per day was significantly associated with a shorter length of stay (r = -0.28, p = 0.0069).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors (β = -57.1, p = .034).
Conclusions:
- Increased numbers of clinical handoffs were correlated with shorter hospitalizations for neonates with gastroschisis.
- Handoffs can serve as valuable opportunities for critical thinking, adaptive decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving in complex care environments.
- These findings suggest reframing clinical handoffs as potential tools for optimizing patient outcomes, rather than solely as risks.
More Related Videos
08:13Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion
Published on: January 20, 2019
7.0K
09:52Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
17.6K
Related Concept Videos
01:25Types of Reports I: Hands-off Report
1.4K
A hand-off report, also known as a change-of-shift report, is a crucial nursing process that ensures the smooth transition of patient care responsibilities between nursing staff.
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process:
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process:
1.4K
01:29SBAR I: Understanding the Concept
5.7K
Effective communication among healthcare professionals during hand-off reporting is essential to delivering safe and continuous patient care. Common professional interactions include reports to healthcare team members, hand-off, and transfer reports. Nurses routinely report information to other healthcare team members and also urgently contact healthcare providers to report changes in patient status.
Standardized methods of communication have been developed to ensure that information is...
Standardized methods of communication have been developed to ensure that information is...
5.7K
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
833
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic...
For example, a patient with a chronic...
833
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
1.2K
The discharge summary is crucial as it enables a smooth transition from a healthcare facility to a patient's home or another care setting. This critical document facilitates seamless continuity of care, ensuring patients receive the necessary support and attention.
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
1.2K
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
3.9K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
3.9K
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
2.2K
Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
2.2K