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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2015 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Who is More Hands on with Hand-offs? A Comparative Study of Clinical Handovers among Doctors and Nurses in a Tertiary Care Center in India

V Jithesh, Parmeshwar Kumar, Aarti Vij

Citation Information : Jithesh V, Kumar P, Vij A. Who is More Hands on with Hand-offs? A Comparative Study of Clinical Handovers among Doctors and Nurses in a Tertiary Care Center in India. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2015; 3 (1):33-40.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10035-1034

Published Online: 01-12-2014

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2015; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background

Standardized handovers have been known to improve outcome, reduce error and enhance communication. Few, if aany, comparative studies on clinical handovers have been conducted in the India.

Objective

To study clinical handover practices among nurses and doctors in a neurosciences center in India.

Design and setting

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months in a 200 bedded public sector tertiary care facility in New Delhi, India.

Materials and methods

The handover practices of nurses and resident doctors in a neurology ward were assessed across shifts, weekdays and weekends using a pretested checklist. Ten elements were observed under the categories of time, place, record, process, staff interaction and patient communication. Outcomes were analyzed using z-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

Three hundred and eighty-two handovers each of nurses and doctors revealed varying adherence for time (44%), place (63%), documentation (50%), process (78%), staff interaction (50%) and patient communication (45%) related elements with overall compliance being 55%. Doctors fared better only in process elements and bedside handovers; however, only nurses had a statistically significant fall in levels over weekends and in night shifts. Staff interaction and patient communication were positively correlated and bedside handover was negatively related to handover duration in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups when assessed as categories.

Conclusion

Study revealed a need for a system change and standardization of clinical handovers. Greater administrative commitment, use of technology, customized training and leadership development will aid in continuity of care, promote patient safety and ensure better outcomes.

How to cite this article

Kumar P, Jithesh V, Vij A, Gupta SK. Who is More Hands on with Hand-offs? A Comparative Study of Clinical Handovers among Doctors and Nurses in a Tertiary Care Center in India. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2015;3(1):33-40.

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