Korean nurses' perspectives regarding handoffs.
BACKGROUND
Nursing handoffs are communicative routines in most nursing units. The handoff is critical to the continuity and safety of patient care. Negative perceptions of handoffs could hinder efficient communication between nurses.


OBJECTIVE
This study identified the perceptions of nurses' handoffs in Korea.


METHODS
A descriptive survey was employed. The population included nurses who worked in a general ward in 201 hospitals with more than 300 beds.


RESULTS
27.9% responded that the current handoff method needed to be changed and 75.8% had no handoff-related guideline. "Handoffs are frequently interrupted by outsiders' visits" was the most frequent problem expressed. Variables associated with a perceived need for change in handoff methods were age, handoff method, and preparation time for handoffs.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses recognized that handoffs were frequently interrupted by external factors and consumed too much time. Therefore, a standardized handoff method is needed to ensure the accuracy of information.
a Department of Nursing Science , Sunmoon University , Asan-si , Korea.
Eun Man
EM
Kim
a Department of Nursing Science , Sunmoon University , Asan-si , Korea.
Ji Woon
JW
Ko
b Department of Nursing Science , Chungbuk National University , Cheongju-si , Korea.
Seonho
S
Kim
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D062209:Patient Handoff; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
nursing; patient handoff; patient safety; perception