Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Major
Nursing
Date of Defense
7-11-2024
Graduate Advisor
Sarah Jackson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Co-Advisor
Charity Galgani, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC
Committee
Lindsey Kerley, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC
Abstract
Handoff communication is critical in healthcare and is associated with patient safety outcomes. Various tools and interventions are available to improve handoff communication as inadequate communication contributes to medical errors, patient adverse events, and increased mortality. The implementation of a standardized handoff tool has been shown to be effective. Findings revealed a significant 60% reduction in reported patient harm events, despite the study's limited sample size and lack of statistical significance (p = .614). Challenges such as low utilization (18.62%) were attributed to concerns about tool organization, spatial constraints, and staff resistance to change. Recommendations include refining the tool to better accommodate patient information, improving staff education and engagement, and integrating EHR prompts for more accurate documentation. Ongoing evaluation and feedback are crucial for enhancing and sustaining standardized handoff practices.
Recommended Citation
Keeven, Tori, "Implementation of a Standardized Nursing Handoff in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit" (2024). Dissertations. 1459.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1459