Front-line nurses' perceptions of intra-hospital handover.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To explore nurses' perceptions of factors that help or hinder intra-hospital handover.

BACKGROUND

Miscommunication during clinical handover is a leading cause of clinical incidents in hospitals. Intra-hospital nursing handover between the emergency department and inpatient unit is particularly complex.

DESIGN

A descriptive, qualitative study. This research adheres to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

METHODS

Forty-nine nurses participated in group interviews, which were analysed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Three categories emerged: (a) "lacking clear responsibilities for who provides handover"; (b) "strategies to ensure continuity of information"; and (c) "strained relationships during handover."

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-hospital handover requires clear processes, to promote high-quality information sharing. Ensuring these processes are broad and acceptable across units may ensure nurses' needs are met. Relational continuity between nurses is an important consideration when improving intra-hospital handover.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nursing managers are optimally positioned to enhance intra-hospital handover, by liaising and enforcing standardisation of processes across units. Nurse managers could promote intra-unit activities that foster front-line nurses' communication with each other, to encourage problem-solving and partnerships.