P153 An audit of adherence to national guidelines on communication during clinical handover in the university hospital of limerick (UHL)

IntroductionClinical handover is defined as ‘the transfer of professional responsibility and accountability for someone all aspects of care for a patient, to another person or professional group on a temporary or permanent basis.’ It has been identified as a high risk step in the patients hospital j...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of disease in childhood 2019-06, Vol.104 (Suppl 3), p.A218
Main Authors: Mahomed, Husnain, O’Reilly, Peter, Gallagher, Siobhan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Childrens health
Clinical practice guidelines
Communication
Communication (Thought Transfer)
Hospitals
National Standards
Patient compliance
Patient safety
Patients
Pediatrics
Safety
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Summary:IntroductionClinical handover is defined as ‘the transfer of professional responsibility and accountability for someone all aspects of care for a patient, to another person or professional group on a temporary or permanent basis.’ It has been identified as a high risk step in the patients hospital journey that can lead to delay in treatment and loss of trust and confidence amongst staff and patients.AimsTo assess the quality of clinical handover in UHL PD as recommended by the Communication (Clinical Handover) in Acute and Children’s Hospital Services, National Clinical Guideline No. 11 HSE (2015).MethodsA standardised proforma was used to assess the quality of our handover for all medically admitted patients in UHL PD. The audit team chose 10 randomised weekdays to collect information looking at the five aspects: suitability, patient safety, patient confidentiality, standardised communication tool (ISBAR), record keeping. A re-audit will be carried out after an education session to staff.ResultsHandover was priortised over other jobs 0% of the time. Staff had accurate up to date information 20% of the time. Room was inappropriate for handover, too small, not private. Clinical protected time but not adhered to. Handover policy clear. Handover timely in 80% of cases. Handover face to face, no read back, no ISBAR, no safety pause. 8–14 interruptions (late attendance, non-urgent bleeps)ConclusionUpon department discussion it was agreed to introduce a safety pause, read-back and an ISBAR system to optimise time, patient safety and communication. Punctual attendance was stressed, as was up to date information being assigned to the ward clerk in the morning.
ISSN:0003-9888
1468-2044
DOI:10.1136/archdischild-2019-epa.508