title: Systematic review of handoff mnemonics literature.
abstract: A systematic review of published English-language articles on handoffs is conducted (1987 to June 4, 2008). Forty-six articles describing 24 handoff mnemonics are identified by trained reviewers. The majority (82.6%) have been published in the last 3 years (2006-2008), and SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is the most frequently cited mnemonic (69.6%). Of 7 handoff research articles, only 4 study mnemonics. All 4 of these studies have relatively small sample sizes (10-100) and lack validated instruments. Only 1 study has obtained IRB approval. Scientifically rigorous research studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of handoff mnemonics. These should be published in the peer-reviewed literature using the Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Academic Affairs, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware, USA. Lriesenberg@christianacare.org
authors.forename: Lee Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Riesenberg
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leitzsch
authors.forename: Brian W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Little
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003142:Communication; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*