A systematic review of nursing inter-shift reports in adult acute care settings.

Abstract

Review question/objective The aim of this systematic review is to describe the process of inter-shift nursing handoff procedures and to identify commonly used strategies and techniques associated with the handoff. Specifically, in relation to inter-shift nursing handoffs in acute care settings: • How were they conducted? • Where were they conducted? • How was information transferred? • What purpose(s) did the handoff serve? • Can best practice related to knowledge transfer during transitions in care be identified? Inclusion criteria Types of participants The review will consider studies that include nurses engaged in handoff activities in adult acute care settings at the time of inter-shift nursing report. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This component of the review will consider the following phenomena of interest: The processes associated with inte-rshift report on acute care nursing units, specifically, where they were conducted, how information was transferred between or among participants, and what information was transferred between or among participants. Types of outcomes Outcomes of interest are connected to the process of inter-shift nursing handoffs in acute care settings. Outcomes are related to the various purposes the handoff may serve, in addition to the transfer of patient care information, and the identification of best practice related to knowledge transfer during transition in care.