Handoffs and Teamwork: A Framework for Care Transition Communication

Kristen L.W. Webster, Joseph R. Keebler, Elizabeth H. Lazzara, Alex Chaparro, Philip Greilich, Agnes Fagerlund

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Handoffs occur frequently in the medical domain and are associated with up to 80% of medical errors. Although research has progressed, handoffs largely remain inadequate. The absence of an appropriate conceptual model for handoffs hinders the purposeful design and evaluation of handoff procedures. This article presents a theoretical model of the major input, team process, and output variables that should be considered during a handoff. Theoretical Model Background: The model integrates three theoretical frameworks that capture the various inputs, processes, and outputs surrounding handoff events through the lens of teamwork. Overview of the Model: : Specifically, the model describes the environment, organization, people, and tools as inputs. Communication, leadership, coordination, and decision making serve as the processes, and the outputs are the organization, teams, providers, and patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)343-353
Number of pages11
JournalJoint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety
Volume48
Issue number6-7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Leadership and Management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Handoffs and Teamwork: A Framework for Care Transition Communication'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this