Authors

  1. Spooner, Amy J. BN, Grad Dip ICU, RN
  2. Chaboyer, Wendy PhD, MN, BSc (Nurs) Honours, RN, FAAN
  3. Aitken, Leanne M. PhD, B HSc (Nurs) Hons, Grad Dip Sc Med (Clin Epi), Grad Cert Mgt, IC Cert, FAAN, FACN

Abstract

Background: Interruptions during handover may compromise continuity of care and patient safety.

 

Local Problem: Interruptions occur frequently during handovers in the intensive care unit.

 

Methods: A quality improvement study was undertaken to improve nursing team leader handover processes. The frequency, source, and reason interruptions occurred were recorded before and after a handover intervention.

 

Interventions: The intervention involved relocating handover from the desk to bedside and using a printed version of an evidence-based electronic minimum data set. These strategies were supported by education, champions, reminders, and audit and feedback.

 

Results: Forty handovers were audiotaped before, and 49 were observed 3 months following the intervention. Sixty-four interruptions occurred before and 52 after the intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant. Team leaders were frequently interrupted by nurses discussing personal or work-specific matters before and after the intervention.

 

Conclusions: Further work is required to reduce interruptions that do not benefit patient care.