Clinical Handover
Clinical Handover is the process of transferring patient information and responsibility from one healthcare provider to another. This ensures continuity of care and helps prevent errors or misunderstandings about a patient's condition, treatment plan, and needs. Effective handovers are crucial during shift changes, patient transfers, or when specialists become involved in a patient's care.
During a clinical handover, key information such as patient history, medications, and treatment goals is communicated clearly. Standardized tools and protocols, like the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework, can enhance the effectiveness of this process, promoting patient safety and improving overall healthcare outcomes.