Handoff Training for Medical Students: Attitudes, Knowledge, and Sustainability of Skills

Abstract

Introduction : The medical community has placed increasing emphasis on ensuring quality patient care handoffs, yet there is relatively little research regarding educational interventions for medical students. Objective : To assess the impact of a handoff communication workshop on senior medical students' attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Method : A 3-hour handoff skills workshop was developed using published research and educational models.  The session included didactic lectures, role-play activities, and group discussion. We assessed the workshop’s impact using attitudinal, fact-based multiple choice, and case-based questions preceding, immediately following, and several months after the intervention. Result : From 2013-2014, 59 students participated in the handoff training, with 56 (95%) completing the pre- and post-tests. Participants’ self-reported attitudes improved following the intervention (p≤.005 in 12 of 13 questions). The mean number of correct answers on multiple choice questions increased from 6.75 (CI 6.44-7.05) to 8.47 (CI 8.28-8.67) out of 9 (p <0.001).  Thirty-six participants (61%) completed the pre-, post-, and follow-up vignettes.  Post-workshop vignette scores improved significantly (6.28 vs. 8.19, p