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HE9 - Measure Twice Cut Once: Umbrella Review of Handoff Measurement Tools in the Perioperative Environment
DescriptionIntroduction:
Due to the federal mandates to improve handoffs within the healthcare domain, many institutions have developed their own ways to implement and evaluate handoffs in order to strengthen the actual handoff process as well as patient care. However, the design, implementation, and evaluation of handoff interventions has not been standardized collectively within the healthcare community. Consequently, institutions typically develop their own interventions and assessment tools, essentially creating substantial heterogeneity and ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness of such interventions and assessments. Considering that assessments are crucial for determining the accuracy of interventions, it is imperative that such assessments are scientifically-sound.
In addition to the lack of clarity surrounding optimal handoff evaluations, the perioperative environment adds another layer of complexity due to its unique features. Specifically, perioperative handoffs typically entail different provider types transferring patients and equipment in varied, chaotic environments (Lazzara et al., 2020). Given the heterogeneity and complexity of perioperative handoffs as well as the obligation for effective handoff assessments rooted in sound psychometric properties, there is a need to understand the efficaciousness of handoff measurement tools.
Previous researchers have attempted to provide insights regarding perioperative handoff assessment tools by conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses; however, such reviews and meta-analyses typically lack information surrounding the specifics of the assessment tools (e.g., the scoring guidelines, logistical considerations, and psychometric properties) (Yung et al., 2023; Nasarwanji et al., 2016). To provide practitioners, educators, researchers, and administrators better guidance within the realm of assessment tools, we are conducting an umbrella review to synthesize the specifics of handoff evaluation tools being utilized. An umbrella review gathers systematic and meta-analyses regarding a specific topic to provide a comprehensive depiction of the topic (Belbasis et al., 2022). Currently, articles have been gathered that pertain to the perioperative environment and include information regarding their handoff evaluation tool in order to evaluate the psychometric properties and commonalities of previously published handoff assessment tools.

Method:
To conduct this review, we have searched multiple databases:PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Conchrone, Scopus, and Web of Science. Our search terms include synonyms of anesthesia, perioperative, handoffs, and reviews. We reviewed all articles for inclusion. Our inclusion criteria included systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) that contained handoff assessment tools within the perioperative environments. Conversely, we also relied upon exclusion criteria, which consisted of the following: individual research studies, letters, commentaries, abstracts, editorials, newsletter articles, anecdotal articles, SRMAs focused on transitions to and from the hospital (e.g., EMT to ED, Inpatient to Outpatient, Inter-facility such as Hospital to Hospital), and handoffs occurring outside of the perioperative arena.

Results:
This search is currently in progress; thus, we do not have comprehensive results yet. Based upon the findings, we will be able to establish the current state of the field and offer more specific insights regarding these handoff tools. Furthering the understanding of the types of handoff evaluation tools as well as their specific psychometric properties is critical for improving the knowledge base regarding the effectiveness of handoff interventions. Without a clear depiction of currently implemented tools, handoff interventions as well as actual handoffs will remain problematic.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeTuesday, March 264:45pm - 6:15pm CDT
LocationSalon C
Tracks
Digital Health
Simulation and Education
Hospital Environments
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives