Conclusions
Healthcare providers utilize handoff as a
tool for ensuring the delivery of continuous and
safe care, but adverse outcomes resulting from
handoff breakdown are still commonly found.
The JCAHO and many studies have requested
healthcare organizations to standardize handoffs.
A number of studies have devised and examined
interventions aimed at improving handoff
quality. Most of these studies seemed to benefit
patients, but measured their outcomes on other
targets such as the system, information, and
the healthcare providers. Only a few studies
objectively assessed outcomes on patients.
Healthcare providers could apply the interventions
described in this article to improve
handoff. However, particular settings may need
specific interventions. Therefore, an appropriate
handoff needs to be designed by the
participants involved in the process in order
to meet the needs of units and organizations.
To justify the commitment of time, effort, and