3. Why is handover important in a Nursing context?
Why is handover important from the professional nurse's point of view?
Registered nurses are both accountable and responsible for delivering an accurate, competent and clear patient handover. This is because an accurate handover of clinical information is of great importance for continuity and safety of patient care.
Why is handover important from the patient's point of view?
If clinically relevant information is not shared accurately and in a timely manner, it may lead to adverse events, delays in treatment and diagnosis, inappropriate treatment and omission of care. Therefore, demonstrating excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills while conducting handover is essential to ensure an efficient service is delivered, which is likely to improve patient experiences of care.
Take a look at the video of a nurse reflecting on why they think an effective handover is important.
Transcript
So handovers really important to me as a student nurse, it allows me to provide effective and safe patient care for my patients.
Coming on to a shift receiving a handover means I know all the information I need to know about my patient and what care or support I need to offer.
And when I leave shift and I give my handover, it's the continuity of care and patient safety is really improved by effective handover and communication using SBAR handover in an urgent situation.
It's really important, because it just gives the key information you need in a limited time scenario.
So you have Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation, which is really important for effective patient care and minimises risk.