{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Effect of standardized EHR-integrated handoff report on intraoperative communication outcomes.
{Author}: Abraham J;King CR;Pedamallu L;Light M;Henrichs B;
{Journal}: J Am Med Inform Assoc
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 31
{Factor}: 7.942
{DOI}: 10.1093/jamia/ocae204
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>We evaluated the effectiveness and implementability of a standardized EHR-integrated handoff report to support intraoperative handoffs.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A pre-post intervention study was used to compare the quality of intraoperative handoffs supported by unstructured notes (pre) to structured, standardized EHR-integrated handoff reports (post). Participants included anesthesia clinicians involved in intraoperative handoffs. A mixed-method approach was followed, supported by general observations, shadowing, surveys, and interviews.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>One hundred and fifty-one intraoperative permanent handoffs (78 pre, 73 post) were included. One hundred percent of participants in the post-intervention cohort utilized the report. Compared to unstructured, structured handoffs using the EHR-integrated handoff report led to: (1) significant increase in the transfer of information about airway management (55%-78%, P < .001), intraoperative course (63%-86%, P < .001), and potential concerns (64%-88%, P < .001); (2) significant improvement in clinician satisfaction scores, with regards to information clarity and succinctness (4.5-4.7, P = .002), information transfer (3.8-4.2, P = .011), and opportunities for fewer errors reported by senders (3.3-2.5, P < .001) and receivers (3.2-2.4, P < .001); and (3) significant decrease in handoff duration (326.2-262.3 s, P = .016). Clinicians found the report implementation highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible but noted a few areas for improvement to enhance its usability and integration within the intraoperative workflow.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>A standardized EHR-integrated handoff report ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of intraoperative handoffs with its structured, consistent format that-promotes up-to-date and pertinent intraoperative information transfer; reduces opportunities for errors; and streamlines verbal communication. Handoff standardization can promote safe and high-quality intraoperative care.