Ideas That Work: Check Out This Detailed Handoff Form

THOROUGH AND EFFICIENT Detailed sections and body diagrams ensure no relevant info gets lost at any handoff.

Check Out This Detailed Handoff Form

When it comes to patient handoffs, our nurses use one detailed paper form that follows patients every step of the way, from pre-op through to the PACU. By assigning one form to each patient throughout care, we streamline communication at all stages, and each area of operation is given its own section on the form to complete. Plus, our form includes body diagrams, so rather than writing anatomical notes longhand, our nurses are able to quickly sketch, circle or shade in areas that need attention, from incision sites to skin conditions to device locations. The form's design really saves us time and confusion every step of the way. It also lets nurses include helpful info that doesn't have to go into the patient record, like where family and friends are waiting and what personal items came into the OR with the patient.

Meredith Kopp, RN, BSN, CNOR
Children's Mercy )
Hospitals and Clinics
Kansas City, Mo.
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