Increasing Patient Safety in Hemodialysis Units by Improving Handoff Communication

This quality improvement project aimed to increase patient safety by preventing errors through improving staff handoff communication in an outpatient hemodialysis unit. Lewin's theory of planned change was applied. Staff familiarity with the situation-background-assessment-recommendation (SBAR) communication format was assessed. Education regarding SBAR format and supporting tools was provided to staff prior to implementing the SBAR handoff format. Safety incidences were compared pre- and post-implementation. Data analysis supported a statistically significant improvement in reported error rates post implementation (p = 0.000). Implementing a standardized handoff communication form provided a mechanism for improving patient safety.