Structured, Standardized Resident Handoffs Reduce Medical Errors and Adverse Events

Preventable medical errors and adverse events were reduced by nearly 50% in hospitalized children.

Resident work hours were reduced to eliminate fatigue and improve patient safety, but this practice has increased the frequency of patient handoffs and exchanging of patient information. To improve communication during patient handoffs, a children's hospital implemented a structured resident handoff bundle and evaluated its effectiveness in two general inpatient units.

Eighty-four residents received training in communication and standardized verbal handoff, and were restructured so that interns and residents participated concomitantly during handoffs in a private location to minimize interruptions. One unit also utilized a computerized handoff tool. Among 1255 patient admissions, overall medical errors were reduced from 34 per 100 admissions…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Structured, Standardized Resident Handoffs Reduce Medical Errors and Adverse Events

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Reviewing Author