Implementation of a Modified Bedside Handoff for a Postpartum Unit.

The most frequent cause of sentinel events is poor communication during the nurse-to-nurse handoff process. Standardized methods of handoff do not fit in every patient care setting. The aims of this quality improvement project were to successfully implement a modified bedside handoff model, with some report outside and some inside the patient's room, in a postpartum unit. A structured educational module and champion nurses were used. The new model was evaluated based on the change in compliance, patient satisfaction, and nursing satisfaction. Two months after implementation, there was an increase in nursing compliance in completing all aspects of the model as well as an increase in both patient and staff satisfactions of the process. Replicating this project may help other specialty units adhere to safety recommendations for handoff report.