Handover: The Fragile Lines of Communication

Abstract

Handovers have been increasingly recognized as an important determinant of patient safety and quality of care. Changes in patterns of physician and resident work hours have increased the importance of safe handover. The current review summarizes previous literature on deficiencies in current handover practices, consequences of suboptimal handover, and barriers to effective handover. This review concludes by summarizing results of studies that used education, standardization, technology, and bundled interventions to improve handover.