title: An interactive handoff workshop to improve intern readiness in patient care transitions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patient handoffs are common during residency and are often performed with little or no training. We devised a simple intervention to improve the readiness of interns to perform handoffs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We administered a 90-minute interactive workshop during intern orientation in 2009 and 2010. It consisted of a discussion, a case presentation, and a trigger video, followed by debriefing and a role-play exercise. The workshop required minimal technology and materials. Interns were surveyed on their readiness to perform handoffs before and after the workshop as well as 3 to 6 months after the workshop.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-nine interns participated in the workshop during a 2-year period. Seventy-four survey responses were collected. Self-reported readiness to perform a handoff increased by 26%. A total of 91% and 81% of respondents in 2010 and 2009, respectively, reported using aspects of the workshop up to 6 months later.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A brief workshop can improve interns' readiness to perform handoffs.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Aylward
authors: Lemuel
authors: L
authors: Vawter
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: Roth