Gynaecology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Gynaecology, including details on pap smears, laparoscopy, ultrasound, hysteroscopy.

A national survey of obstetric anaesthetic handovers.

Sabir N, Yentis SM, Holdcroft A

Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care & Pain Management, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK.

The handover of patient information between shifts enables continuity of care and increases patient safety. We surveyed UK practice during handovers in obstetric anaesthesia. A questionnaire was sent to 239 lead consultant obstetric anaesthetists to record routine practice in their unit and individual opinion about handover procedures. Responses were received from 168 anaesthetists, a 70% response rate. Handover policies were available in 10% of units. Most (76%) responding units had an allocated time for handover. In most units (76%), the duration of handover was reported as being < 15 min but the actual duration and depth of any discussion involved were not specified. Handovers were rarely documented in writing (7%). Consultant anaesthetists were most likely to be present at the morning handover and few handovers were multidisciplinary. Four percent of units reported critical incidents following inadequate handovers in the past 12 months. We identify features in handover procedures that could be improved.

Published 21 March 2006 in Anaesthesia, 61(4): 376-80.
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