Is there a need for formal undergraduate patient handover training and could an educational workshop effectively provide this? A proof-of-concept study in a Scottish Medical School

Abstract

BackgroundPoor communication between healthcare professionals is recognised as accounting for a significant proportion of adverse patient outcomes. In the UK, the General Medical Council emphasises effective handover (handoff) as an essential outcome for medical graduates. Despite this, a significant proportion of medical schools do not teach the skill.ObjectivesThis study had two aims: (1) demonstrate a need for formal handover training through assessing the pre-existing knowledge, skills and attitudes of medical students and (2) study the effectiveness of a pilot educational handover workshop on improving confidence and competence in structured handover skills.DesignStudents underwent an Objective Structured Clinical Examination style handover competency assessment before and after attending a handover workshop underpinned by educational theory. Participants also completed questionnaires before and after the workshop. The tool used to measure competency was developed through a modified Delphi process.SettingMedical education departments within National Health Service (NHS) Lanarkshire hospitals.ParticipantsForty-two undergraduate medical students rotating through their medical and surgical placements within NHS Lanarkshire enrolled in the study. Forty-one students completed all aspects.Main outcome measuresPaired questionnaires, preworkshop and postworkshop, ascertained prior teaching and confidence in handover skills. The questionnaires also elicited the student’s views on the importance of handover and the potential effects on patient safety. The assessment tool measured competency over 12 domains.ResultsEighty-three per cent of participants reported no previous handover teaching. There was a significant improvement, p<0.0001, in confidence in delivering handovers after attending the workshop. Student performance in the handover competency assessment showed a significant improvement (p<0.05) in 10 out of the 12 measured handover competency domains.ConclusionsA simple, robust and reproducible intervention, underpinned by medical education theory, can significantly improve competence and confidence in medical handover. Further research is required to assess long-term outcomes as student’s transition from undergraduate to postgraduate training.

Using a modified Delphi process to develop a structured case-based handover assessment tool

“…However, the Delphi process is not infallible. Our study highlighted the potential for the process to compromise the integrity of the product if it diverges from true clinical practice and experience (Holt et al, 2020).…”

The Use of ICT as a Resource and Media for Modern 21st Century Learning in Primary Schools

“…Schools provide facilities to students as their provisions in today's modern century. then the quality of learning must be improved again, therefore teaching must have a plan so that learning becomes more creative and innovative (Holt et al, 2020;Huntwork et al, 2022;Jenkins et al, 2023). so that learning can run perfectly there are 4 roles of the teacher so that it is implemented.…”