Handoff Communication: Implications For Design

Abstract

Handoff communication is one of the most typical clinical communication mechanisms in a healthcare setting to transfer information and responsibilities of the care provider. Handoff communication is varied across settings, provider type, and even within a clinical unit. Information technology has the capability to support handoff communication, with better understanding of handoff communication needs and variations. This panel examines (1) how handoff communication happens in the healthcare setting through mini-cases (2) insights on information technology design for handoff communication.