A good handover gives the next shift everything it needs to continue safely in a short time. A fixed structure and up-to-date reporting make the difference.
Every shift change is a moment when information can be lost. A handover that turns into a cosy chat, or is rushed through in a few words, leaves the next colleague with questions. For me, clear communication and handover are the foundation of good care. In this article you will read how to improve the handover in your team.
The handover is the moment when responsibility for the client passes to a colleague. What is not said there, the next shift does not know. That might be a change in medication, a worrying observation or an arrangement with the family. A handover does not have to be long, but it does have to be complete and structured.
In practice I see that the quality of the handover depends heavily on who gives it. One colleague is thorough, another mainly talks about what struck them personally. For the client, it should not matter who was on duty. A shared way of handing over removes that dependence.
A fixed order helps you not to forget anything. A well-known tool is SBAR: situation, background, assessment and recommendation. It ensures that everyone explains what is going on in the same way. How to apply SBAR in daily practice is explained under an SBAR handover in practice.
A verbal handover works best when the written reporting is in order. Then you only need to mention what deviates or needs attention. A structured format such as SOAP can help with this; see SOAP reporting in care. A few questions to close every handover with:
A better handover starts with a shared agreement in the team. How long does it take, where does it take place and what is covered? When everyone knows what is expected, the handover naturally runs more calmly. Temporary colleagues also quickly know where they stand. You will find support with this under consistent working agreements.
When I hand over a shift, I keep it short and factual. I first mention what deviates, then what is scheduled. I also make sure the reporting matches what I say verbally. That way nobody has to search for information after my shift. Calm, overview and clear communication: that is what I want to leave behind in a team.
I help with this through wound care and reporting and consistent working agreements. Want to know what that means for your organisation? Schedule an introduction.
Start every handover with the question: what does the next colleague need to know in any case? The rest will follow naturally.
That depends on the ward and the number of clients. The most important thing is that the handover is structured and that deviations come first, so it does not run on unnecessarily.
SBAR is especially useful when handing over a specific situation or concern. For a standard shift handover you can also use the structure in a simplified form.
Then the verbal handover often becomes long and incomplete. It pays to work on the reporting first; after that the handover runs more easily.
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