'TAG, You're It!' The high-stakes game of handovers in the Emergency Department ­ Improving handover quality using a new 'TAG' Protocol

ABSTRACT

Aim To assess handover quality amongst Emergency Department (ED) physicians and improve quality by implementing a unique protocol entitled 'TAG, You're It!' (TAG protocol). Methods Patient charts assessed using set parameters prior to implementation of the 'TAG' protocol. 'TAG' protocol developed based on gaps in current practice and recommendations from literature. Identical parameters applied post-intervention, and results compared to those pre-intervention. Results 'TAG' protocol yielded positive impact on ED handover practices. A significant difference (p<0.05) between pre and post-TAG intervention values was seen across all parameters i.e. including the accepting physician's name in the computer system and ED chart, documenting a handover plan in the ED chart, and including a handover plan deemed sufficient by standards developed from relevant literature. Conclusion Shift-to-shift handover in the ED is a high risk time for patient safety. The 'TAG' protocol ensures that essential information is documented and communicated in a succinct and rapid way.