Appelbaum RD, Puzio TJ, Bauman Z, Asfaw S, Spencer A, Dumas RP, Kaur K, Cunningham KW, Butler D, Sawhney JS, Gadomski S, Horwood CR, Stuever M, Sapp A, Gandhi R, Freeman J. Handoffs and transitions of care: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.
J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2024;
97:305-314. [PMID:
38407300 DOI:
10.1097/ta.0000000000004285]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The Joint Commission reports that at least half of communication breakdowns occur during handovers or transitions of care. There is no consensus on how best to approach the transfer of care within acute care surgery (ACS). We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current data on handoffs and transitions of care in ACS patients and evaluate the impact of standardization and formalized communication processes.
METHODS
Clinically relevant questions regarding handoffs and transitions of care with clearly defined patient Population(s), Intervention(s), Comparison(s), and appropriately selected Outcomes were determined. These centered around specific transitions of care within the setting of ACS, specifically perioperative interactions, emergency medical services and trauma team interactions, and intra/interfloor and intensive care unit (ICU) interactions. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies were identified for analysis. These included 5,113 patients in the standardized handoff group and 5,293 in the current process group. Standardized handoffs reduced handover errors for perioperative interactions and preventable adverse events for intra/interfloor and ICU interactions. There were insufficient data to evaluate outcomes of clinical complications and medical errors.
CONCLUSION
We conditionally recommend a standardized handoff in the field of ACS, including perioperative interactions, emergency medical services and trauma team interactions, and intra/interfloor and ICU interactions.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Systematic Review/Meta-analysis; Level III.
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