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OR to ICU Patient Handoff: A Matter of Communication

  • Subhasis ChatterjeeEmail author
Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach book series (DDSURGERY)

Abstract

Breakdown in communication during transition of care may result in adverse events. The Joint Commission listed the implementation of a standardized approach to “handoff” communication, including an opportunity to ask and respond to questions, as a requirement for hospitals. This chapter discusses why we have handoff checklists, will present data that handoffs make a difference and give guidance as to how to implement checklists.

Keywords

Critical care Patient safety Handoff checklists 
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Copyright information

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of General & Cardiothoracic SurgeryBaylor College MedicineHoustonUSA

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