CLINICAL HANDOVER
NSQHSS (2011) Standard 6
“the transfer of professional responsibility and accountability for some or all aspects of care for
a patient, or group of patients, to another person or professional group on a temporary or
permanent basis” ( p. 8).
• Literature
– Handover miscommunication significant contributor to preventable harm
– Complex clinical activity with multiple dimensions
– Broad guidance about reducing handover risk: focus on content
– Emerging literature recognises human and environmental factors
– Tools, Mnemonics, Checklists, Reminders
– Features of effective handovers are; two way face-to-face communication, wr support tools and
content that captures intention.
– Research focus on contributors to harm, what NOT to do…!
Handover provides a key audit point in transfer of care
(ACSQHC, 2011; Hill & Nyce 2010; )