A quality improvement study to improve patient and family satisfaction through handoff of patient care between emergency department and inpatient nurses

Abstract

Lack of handoff between the emergency department and inpatient units may result in increased errors and decreased patient/family satisfaction due to a lack of nursing knowledge of the patient upon admission. To address this concern, a quality improvement study was implemented by utilizing the organization’s established text messaging system to promote communication between these two units regarding pertinent patient information and expected time of arrival to the inpatient unit. Despite efforts, nursing engagement was minimal due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Future successful implementation of this handoff process requires continued administrative support and nursing engagement.