Why is a foolproof care home handover process so important?
Handovers are an essential part of care home practice. They are one of the most important aspects of residents’ safety and need to be completed correctly and accurately. These normally happen at the end of a shift when staff are tired and want to go home, meaning aspects of the handover on occasions can be completed incorrectly.
A complete handover process is vital, as it enables the carer to properly communicate resident information, responsibility and accountability to the next carer on shift. In care with how pressured the role is, a handover process that avoids the need to chase up a person’s information, provides more time to concentrate on person focused care.
A report in 2017 by the Social Care Workforce Research Unit at Kings College London investigated care homes for older people and their handover processes. The study consisted of research and review of 5 different care homes, where staff were observed in the handover process. Some key findings showed:
- Handovers varied a massively over the five homes in terms of duration, frequency, location, content and who handed them over.
- Most participants in the five locations viewed handovers as an intrinsic part of care home routines and vital for ensuring good communication between staff and residents. To make sure care and safety of residents remains as high as possible.
- Care assistants said that detailed handovers helped them prepare for their shift and take on the responsibility of the resident’s safety. Whilst managers considered handovers had additional uses as opportunities for team-building, ensuring members of staff were allocated appropriately, organising human resources generally, and staff training.
- Staff believed that handovers were effective and identified key elements of a successful handover as enabling staff to listen without too many distractions; being understandable and clear; providing an opportunity to ask questions; and respecting the confidentiality and dignity of residents.
But let’s focus on why the handover process is so important?
Health and social care is an around the clock sector, and shift changeovers happen at any time and are inevitable. Accurate staff handovers are critical during this changeover so that the new carer knows exactly what they need to do and what has arisen in the previous shift. For example, has resident missed medication, refused to eat or had a fall? It’s key for the new carer to know this so they can adjust their care suitably. There are numerous benefits for both the resident and carer by having an effective handover including:
- Helping maintain accurate records of the service user.
- Avoiding the need for the service user to repeat themselves.
- Help staff deliver more consistent care.
- Helping staff feel more confident and prepared for their job.
- It promotes a more person-centered care.
- Making patients feel calmer and more confident in your healthcare service.
- Promote a great culture of teamwork in the car environment.
It is key that care workers know the balance between comprehensive and excessive. Keep the information concise so that staff can remember it without being overwhelmed. To make sure these handovers are as effective as possible there’s a need to focus on three areas;
Time & Place
- Complete all handovers at the same time for each changing shift.
- They should always take place during shift for both workers
- Complete in an area where you won’t be interrupted.
Delivery
- Prepare beforehand, use previous records and process information securely.
- Avoid complicated jargon and unclear abbreviations.
- Take ownership of the handover, complete the handover and encourage questions at the end.
Content
- Refer to the service user by name, if the care home uses an alternative method of detailing them. This promotes a more person-centred care.
- Include the location, background information, current status, needs and actions of the person.
- Recommend actions and include strict timescales.
How can I improve my handover process?
With such serious implications on missed handovers is there a need for legislation? It’s difficult to standardise practices in homes across the UK as all homes are in different areas and have different needs. But individual areas and care home business can improve their own handover policies to make sure they’re completed correctly.
Most handovers are paper-based, this immediately creates a challenge. Paper-based handovers are notorious for human errors. Human errors that could have huge impact on the resident. With handovers containing information on medication, food and drink consumption, bowel movement etc. it’s key to get this rate for the safety of the service users.
Why are electronic handovers more effective?
Handovers are often a cause for concern, the information electronic handovers give carers a clear and complete picture of the previous shift or visit. They can see handover notes, recent activities, updates and incidents in one place. Paper based handovers have always been error prone and pose the risk of misinterpretation and therefore can put residents at risk. Alongside physical risk it’s also key to make sure you’re safeguarding the information and well-being of service users. Their handovers contain all the information on their medication and day to day routines and must be kept secure.
The benefits of an electronic handover system spread across carers, managers and clients and their families. Issues with handover notes can have knock on effects throughout the course of care, so being efficient and accurate is of the highest importance. Paper based notes often don’t meet governance requirements. Supporting the capture of real-time handover information at the point of care makes it easier for the user, reduce errors, ensures completeness and provide a governed track record of changes.
Find out more about our electronic handover systems
Or go ahead and book a demonstration or get a quote.
