Safe handover: practical guidance

摘要

High quality handovers are essential for safe healthcare and are used in many clinical situations. Miscommunication during handovers can lead to unnecessary diagnostic delays, patients not receiving required treatment, and medication errors. Miscommunication is one of the leading causes for adverse events resulting in death or serious injury to patients. The process of handovers can be improved, and the aim of this article is to provide practical guidance for clinicians on how to do this better.