1. Handover and Written Communication Dr Karen Arnold October 2014

2. Objectives Guidance about handovers Structures approach to handover Written communication

3. Handover BMA Guidance Safe handover: safe patients Clinical skill

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

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

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

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

8. Verbal discussion patients with anticipated problems clarify management plans outstanding tasks

9. Multidisciplinary HAT

10. Structured approach

11. S B A R

12. Situation Single sentence Patient name Succinct overview

13. Background Pertinent history Clinical background Current problem

14. Assessment Observations Treatment Response

15. Recommendations Post handover plan Requests Risks Repeat

16. Written Communication Minimum standard Notes audit Legible

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