Poster - #VH-79038 - Keywords: bedside handoff, shift report, software led handoff process, SBAR, blended handoff format

Bedside Handoff Process in the USA and Can It Be Improved with Software Technology

Sindhu Chenumalla
San Jose State University

ABSTRACT:
Abstract
The nursing shift handoff represents a critical communication point in patient care delivery, yet current practices often lack structure and standardization. While SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation) has been widely implemented, its limitations in addressing comprehensive nursing care needs have led to inconsistent reporting practices. Additionally, handoffs frequently occur away from the bedside, eliminating visual patient assessment opportunities and potentially compromising patient safety.
Purpose: This literature research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current nursing handoff practices compared to alternative approaches, including blended bedside reporting and software-based standardized formats.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using CINAHL Complete and PubMed on the nursing handoff process and recommendations. The review consisted of published articles ranging from 2014 to 2024. A total of thirteen published articles were reviewed for this literature review.
Results: Anticipated outcomes were identified as the most effective handoff method for enhancing information exchange accuracy, improving time management, reducing care delays, and increasing patient and provider satisfaction. Preliminary findings suggested blended approaches and software-based handoff applications may offer an optimal balance between comprehensive, accurate communication and practical implementation.
Conclusion: By implementing blended formats and software-based handoff formats, information exchange between nurses is accurate with very little room for errors and gaps. Nursing leaders need to support these measures and enable nursing staff to adapt to newer methods of information handoffs. Also, more research is needed with software-based handoff applications to understand their power and potential in providing a comprehensive, accurate, and practical exchange of information at the bedside.

Keywords: bedside handoff, shift report, software-led handoff process, SBAR, blended handoff format.