TRANSREA

Proposal and evaluation of a new handoff sheet for nurses and caregivers in critical care unit

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Transfer of essential patient information is an essential component of the fundamental role of nurses and caregivers as it provides the traceability of their actions and above all ensures optimal continuity of care. Since the introduction of written notes in these professions, both the oral and written channels have traditionally been used during handover between teams. In the current climate of upheavals we are experiencing, we feel it is only legitimate to re-examine this paradigm specifically for intensive care.Materials and method: A multipurpose intensive care unit of 17 beds and a continuous monitoring unit of 13 beds operating in 12-hour shifts, use both traditional handoff channels in parallel: oral and written. This model leads to a complex organization for an outcome considered to be of low quality and very time-consuming. With the writing of an admission summary, the creation of a so-called « springboard sheet », the writing of targeted reports and the development of a weekly intermediary summary, a model free of oral handoffs has been set up.Results: Five years after this implementation, 100% of nurses and caregivers are satisfied with this format.Conclusion: Management and paramedics have widely adopted this formula and have noted many qualitative added values ​​and a certain time benefit.