Transitions of Care in the Perioperative Period

Abstract

Purpose of Review The purpose of this article is to summarize the evolving literature concerning perioperative handoffs for surgical patients. Recent Findings Perioperative transitions of care are high-risk events with the opportunity for patient harm. Recognition of this risk has led to increased scrutiny of handoffs occurring throughout the perioperative care continuum. Though limited, previous literature has focused on the use of checklists as a strategy to increase handoff reliability. More recent literature suggests that broader, process-driven interventions may be more effective in addressing the multiple factors that contribute to the success of patient handoffs. Further, recent studies have begun to address the sustainability of such interventions. Summary Handoffs are complex, error-prone patient care events. Handoff process standardization (including, but not solely consisting of checklist use) is a promising, evidencebased strategy that has been shown to improve communication and mitigate harm to patients receiving care in perioperative settings.

Nursing Care during the Perioperative within the Surgical Context

“…Likewise, nursing must have human quality, excellent interpersonal and social relations in the surgical context, besides leadership and good communication. (5,6) In this regard, the Joint Commission International continues identifying errors in communication (7) and has identified it as objectives in patient safety, given that work in this context is complex and errors in communication occur when the staff is under stress, or conducting multiple tasks and when there are interruptions in communication, which can interfere with the cognitive process. (8) Moreover, the staff is prone to errors when there is no comprehension of their role, or do not feel supported, respected, valued, understood, or listened to, or does not have the training to provide high-quality information to their peers and patients.…”