Quality Lines
Handovers (handoffs) and patient safety: a call for solutions
Four papers in this issue highlight the importance of better communication between shifts of resident trainees in teaching settings. A report from the US describes anew the hazards that accompany poorly communicated handoffs, emphasises the importance of anticipating potential problems and advances recommendations for timeliness and focus on context. A second report challenges academic settings to invite the patient into the process and places an emphasis on professional responsibility—from “not my patient” to “every patient is my patient”. A provocative commentary, which is anchored in experience from non-healthcare, high-risk organisations such as nuclear submarines and space missions, advises parsimony, …
