A Pilot Study of Patient Photographs and Handoff Communication.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Safe and effective handoffs have become a national priority. Given that patient photographs have been associated with safety benefits in other settings, we hypothesize they could improve handoff communication. Our objective was to determine whether patient photographs used during simulated handoffs improves information retention, response to clinical scenarios, and familiarity with patients, compared with simulated handoffs without photographs. METHODS: We conducted a pilot mixed-methods study using simulated handoff sessions with pediatric residents. One investigator simulated 2 verbal handoff sessions with participants randomized to receive stock patient photographs in either the first or second session. Participants answered an online questionnaire after each session to assess information recall and familiarity with patients. Primary outcomes included percent correct responses and response time. Participants were interviewed to assess the benefits and challenges of using photographs in handoffs. RESULTS: Forty pediatric residents participated. Correct responses and response time did not differ significantly between sessions. Participants indicated less confusion and more comfort caring for patients after photograph handoff sessions. All participants identified benefits to using patient photographs and 75% identified challenges. Benefits included assisting memory, enhancing connection with patients, and improving patient safety. Challenges included visual distraction, bias concerns, and patient privacy. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, patient photographs did not result in improved information retention or efficiency of response to clinical scenarios but were associated with perceptions of reduced confusion and enhanced comfort. Participants identified benefits and challenges of incorporating photographs in handoffs that could inform use in real-world settings.

An Innovative Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for Delusional Misidentification in Persons with Major Neurocognitive Disorder.

Misidentification delusions are false, fixed beliefs that assign an incorrect identity to a previously familiar or unfamiliar person or place. Such delusions are common in several neuropsychiatric disorders and place a particular burden on individuals with Major Neurocognitive Disorder and their caregivers. No standard pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatment approaches have been shown to be consistently effective in addressing this problem. We describe two caregiver-care recipient dyads in which an innovative non-pharmacologic, digital intervention reduced delusional misidentification, improved care recipient behavior, and decreased caregiver burden.