Context and Problem Effects of Changes Strategy for Change Aim: To reduce the length of handover by standardising the quality of information transmitted by establishing a ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ aligned to a communication tool (PSAG Board). Intervention: Establish a team to drive the project forward. Identify leads for specific work streams. Train staff in new skills (Bronze IQT) Agree time spans for each aspect of the project Identify what methods will be used to evidence changes Demonstrate that changes are leading to improvements Create feedback reporting mechanisms The changes proposed will be implemented by an identified project team over a 3 month period. The IHI Model for Improvement will be used to support success. All wards will be included in the pilot. Lessons Learnt: The focus of the project is not just on measuring time; a reduction of handover time may facilitate a poor quality handover. This may create risk as staffs strive to complete in the time allotted and miss vital information. The project aims to demonstrate how creating a SOP for the quality of information delivered can impact on efficiency and save time by being effective. An initial increase in handover time may occur through the introduction of SOP, therefore recommendations are made that measurement will need to be maintained for the duration of the project to reflect how and when staff integrate the SOP into daily routine it becomes a key part of practice. The Outcome Conclusion: The project has enormous potential in supporting the provision of safe and timely quality patient care. I would recommend the project be taken forward. Student Transforming Care Creating a Standard Operating Procedure for Handover Helen Price, University of South Wales Helen Price – Patients and their families have the right to expect the best possible care and treatment. They should be confident that should their condition deteriorate they will receive prompt and effective treatment facilitated through clear communication. Taking time to communicate effectively is directly related to patient safety and avoidance of harm. Assessment of the Problem: The National Patient Safety Agency (NSPA, 2007) suggests that effective and efficient handover is paramount in improving clinical practice, with emphasis on patient safety. Absence of a reliable handover to transmit the right information may affect many aspects of care delivery such as: Improved patient outcomes Avoidable errors Reduction in repetition Increasing safety Improvement in patient satisfaction Personal experience as a student and a Healthcare support worker has demonstrated a common theme; staffs view the handover as just a method of transferring responsibility of care shift to shift. There appears to be a lack of understanding in regard to the potential for serious error or harm if information is not transmitted appropriately. Context: Patient status at a glance (PSAG) is one of the foundation modules within the Transforming Care programme. Patient safety boards are recommended as a tool to support effective communication. These safety boards, know as ‘PSAG’ have been piloted in acute services within Anuerin Bevan University Health Board. Three specific wards have been involved in the development of the board using the IHI model for improvement. The standard created is currently being spread to other wards. The final format for the board, reflect the information required for efficient patient flow, safe and timely care delivery, actions and interventions. Handover one of the specialist modules within the programme is currently undertaken in isolation and without consultation of the PSAG board. This improvement project refers to the delivery of effective handovers using PSAG as a communication tool The Patient Perspective Measurement of Improvement: Improvements will be measured using quantitative and qualitative data. Time handover to establish baseline information Continue timing throughout project to identify interventions Use SPC charts to generate statistical information Repeat Activity Follow to measure improvement in handover time Observe a handover process to audit information transmitted Collate data and use SPC to generate bar charts Engage staff through questionnaires to ask what they feel should be included in handover Set Standard Operating Procedure from information obtained Proposed Effects of Change: All staff will be engaged in delivering a safe, efficient, effective and timely handover Time spent looking for information will be reduced maximising time for direct patient care The quality of handover will be consistent across all wards Introducing a SOP ensures effective communication for delivery of safe and reliable person-centred care