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Download fileComparative Evaluation of the Content and Structure of Communication using Two Handoff Tools: Implications for Patient Safety
journal contribution
posted on 2015-01-19, 00:00 authored by Joanna Abraham, Thomas G. Kannampallil, Khalid F. Almoosa, Bela Patel, Vimla L. PatelPurpose: Handoffs vary in their structure and content, raising concerns regarding standardization. We
conducted a comparative evaluation of the nature and patterns of communication on two functionally
similar, but conceptually different handoff tools: SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan),
based on a patient problem-based format, and HAND-IT (Handoff Intervention Tool), based on a body
system-based format.
Method: A non-randomized pre-post prospective intervention study supported by audio-recordings and
observations of 82 resident handoffs was conducted in a MICU. Qualitative analysis was complemented
with exploratory sequential pattern analysis techniques to capture the characteristics and types of
communication events and breakdowns.
Results: Use of HAND-IT led to fewer communication breakdowns [F(1,80) = 45.66, p < 0.0001],
greater number of communication events [t(40) = 4.56, p < 0.001], with more ideal communication
events than SOAP [t(40) = 9.27, p < 0.001]. Additionally, the use of HAND-IT was characterized by
more request-response communication event transitions.
Conclusion: HAND-IT’s body system-based structure afforded physicians the ability to better organize
and comprehend patient information, and led to an interactive, and streamlined communication, with
limited external input. Our results also emphasize the importance of information organization using a
medical knowledge hierarchical format for fostering effective communication.