Question

Patient Handoffs are situations where essential clinical and social information is transferred from one caregiver to another. What are the current challenges of miscommunication during shift report in the healthcare settings?

Answer 1

The current challenges in the miscommunication during shift report in the healthcare settings are

• Errors are possible when the information in the electronic health records are not accurately documented
• Lack of time or poor time management
• Stress and increased workload during the shift can make the healthcare professionals to be weaned out at the end of shoft and thus increase the risk of miscommunication
• Incomplete documentation or lack of specific information
• Handover given at the bedside without documentation or patient data
• When there is multiple handoffs given for a single patient at varying times.