Face-to-face handoff: improving transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit after cardiac surgery.
The goal was to develop and implement a comprehensive, primarily face-to-face handoff process that begins in the operating room and concludes at the bedside in the intensive care unit (ICU) for pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery. Involving all stakeholders in the planning phase, the framework of the handoff system encompassed a combination of a formalized handoff tool, focused process steps that occurred prior to patient arrival in the ICU, and an emphasis on face-to-face communication at the conclusion of the handoff. The final process was evaluated by the use of observer checklists to examine quality metrics and timing for all patients admitted to the ICU following cardiac surgery. The process was found to improve how various providers view the efficiency of handoff, the ease of asking questions at each step, and the overall capability to improve patient care regardless of overall surgical complexity.
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA jvergales@virginia.edu.
Jeffrey
J
Vergales
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
Nancy
N
Addison
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
Analise
A
Vendittelli
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
Evelyn
E
Nicholson
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
D Jeannean
DJ
Carver
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
Christopher
C
Stemland
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
Tracey
T
Hoke
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
James
J
Gangemi
D057189:Checklist; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D010348:Patient Care Team; D062209:Patient Handoff / Q000592:standards*; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000592:standards*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures
cardiac surgery; handoff; intensive care unit; pediatric cardiology