A Nurse Hackathon: Improving Effective and Timely Nurse Handoffs Through Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Effective handoff communication between the emergency department and inpatient units is essential for patient safety and nurse well-being. This project uses an innovative design strategy and generative artificial intelligence to improve the quality and consistency of information exchanged during nurse-to-nurse handoffs. By generating computer-based summaries, key patient details can be accurately conveyed, reducing the need for manual review and customization. Developed through a collaborative hackathon with frontline nurses, informaticists, and technology experts, the solution underwent rapid prototyping and provided real-time feedback to ensure alignment with clinical workflows. This approach improves efficiency, reduces the cognitive burden, and standardizes the transfer of critical information. This initiative minimizes information loss and supports nurses in delivering safe, high-quality care by strengthening communication during the transition from the emergency department to inpatient care. In addition, the project introduces the impact of artificial intelligence-assisted handoffs on nurse satisfaction and workflow efficiency, offering insights into how technology enhances clinical documentation and decision-making.