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Learning Objective 1: To outline common strengths and limitations of the existing handover practice / process
Learning Objective 2: To discuss evidence-based nursing strategies that will enhance nursing inter-shift handover process
Methods. This project was conducted in three phases using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research Into Practice (GRIP) programs. It was implemented over a period of four months from end August 2011 to beginning December 2011Evidence-based strategies such as town hall meetings and education sessions that reinforce proper handover techniques and its importance were implemented to enhance the handover processes and practices in four acute admitting wards. Pre and post audit data were observed and recorded for each case handover during each inter-shift handover session in four acute admitting wards.
Results. The handover processes for 317 cases for four acute admitting wards were observed using the 7 audit criteria. Post implementation audit findings show that compliance rate had improved significantly for the four criteria: an improvement of 49% compliance rate in the use of standardized documentation during shift handover session; an increased of 74% compliance rate in proper identification of patient at the start of each case report; a 31% increased in proper handing over of significant patient's history; and 18% increased compliance in providing detailed observation of patients.
Conclusion. This project had shown that handover session can be made effective by translating evidence into practice through ongoing evidence-based audit. Continuous evidence-based evaluation, identification and implementation of nursing inter-shift handover process will enhance patient safety and service delivery.