title: Developing a community mental health nursing handover form.
abstract: While nursing handovers are predominantly used in ward settings, this essential form of communication is also used by community mental health teams to promote continuity of care. A community mental health nursing handover form was developed to overcome poor communication of patient information. It is expected that the form will increase efficiency and reduce handover time by focusing on pertinent and current patient information. Implementation of a community mental health nursing handover form requires the willingness of staff to be proactive and embrace change. The involvement of nurse leaders is essential to implement successful change, overcome barriers and motivate staff.
authors.affiliation: University of West London, London. laurieburleton@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Burleton
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D019300:Medical Errors; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce