Articles Tagged With: handoff
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Researchers Seek to Standardize Patient Handoff Protocols
Ensuring a smooth and safe transition to the next step of the care continuum is vital to protecting patients.
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Detailed Charting on Handoffs Stops Legal Finger-Pointing
The ED chart should include a concise summary of the clinical information that was conveyed, a plan for disposition and next steps in care, and a clear transition of care.
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Many ED Malpractice Claims Are Rooted in Poor Communication
Securing buy-in from hospital administrators to make investments to improve patient safety, including handoff communication in the ED, can be challenging. Compelling anecdotes about cases when things went terribly wrong can grab leaders’ attention. Showing hard numbers demonstrates the financial burden of medical malpractice.
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Lawsuits Allege Abnormal Findings Were Missed After ED Patient was Admitted
Education on structured handoffs and closed loop communication is paying dividends. Still, malpractice claims are occurring with admitted patients. The fact patterns all are similar: Tests are ordered while the patient remains in the ED. Results come back after the patient is upstairs — and no one ever follows up.
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EMS Documentation Can Complicate Defense of ED Claim
Unpacking the various reasons why emergency medical service providers could become involved in emergency department malpractice lawsuits.
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Lawsuits Allege Negligent ED Care Caused Hospitalized Patient’s Poor Outcome
When emergency department patients are admitted but not yet transferred, that is a point of weakness for facilities.
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“Warm handoffs” can reduce hospitals’ readmission rates
Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, MA, improved its readmission rates through a quality improvement process that included measurements of “warm handoff” rates.