474 Audit of ENT Department Handover Practice: An Improved Patient Safety Outcome

Abstract

Abstract Aim To analyse the comprehensiveness and reliability of e-handover sheets in a district hospital ENT unit, and to compare the departmental standards in line with Royal College England Guidance on Safe Handover (2007). Method Retrospective analysis of e-handover sheets were analysed over two periods (31 days and 16 days). To improve standards, we distributed the Royal College of Surgeons England guidance, junior doctors received regular feedback and emphasise the importance of handover to the ENT doctors during clinical governance and induction sessions. Results The reaudit cycle demonstrated data transfer improved from morning handover information were present and complete on 70 per cent of days, present but incomplete 30 per cent of days, and absent on 0 per cent of days; evening handover information were complete 75 per cent of days, present but incomplete 25 per cent of days, and absent on 0 per cent of days. Conclusions Following our first and second audit cycle results, the quality and standards of e-handover information showed significant improvement.