Handover and Written Communication Dr Karen Arnold October 2014

Objectives Guidance about handovers Structures approach to handover Written communication

Handover BMA Guidance Safe handover: safe patients Clinical skill

Handover VITAL to patient safety Doesn’t happen by chance Action taken System responsibility vs personal continuity

Patient benefits Safety Less discontinuity of care Decreased repetition Increased service satisfaction

Doctor benefits Educational : Communication skills Clinical education Professional protection Reduction in stress Job satisfaction

Written Handover all current inpatients accepted and referred patients accurate location operational matters information to convey to following shift

Verbal discussion patients with anticipated problems clarify management plans outstanding tasks

Multidisciplinary HAT

Structured approach

S B A R

Situation Single sentence Patient name Succinct overview

Background Pertinent history Clinical background Current problem

Assessment Observations Treatment Response

Recommendations Post handover plan Requests Risks Repeat

Written Communication Minimum standard Notes audit Legible

Social Media Patient confidentiality Appropriate discussion Privacy and personal information Friend requests Declaring conflicts of interest Employment Defamation Professionalism