A Handoffs Software Led to Fewer Errors of Omission and Better Provider Satisfaction: A Randomized Control Trial.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Computer-assisted communication is shown to prevent critical omissions ("errors") in the handoff process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to study this effect and related provider satisfaction, using a standardized software. METHODS: Fourteen internal medicine house officers staffed 6 days and 1 cross-covering teams were randomized to either the intervention group or control, employing usual handoff, so that handoff information was exchanged only between same-group subjects (daily, for 28 days). RESULTS: In the intervention group, fewer omissions (among those studied) occurred intravenous access (17 versus 422, P < 0.001), code status (1 versus 158, P < 0.001), diet/nothing per mouth (28 versus 477, P < 0.001), and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis (17 versus 284, P < 0.001); duration to compose handoff was similar; and physicians perceived less workload adjusted for patient census and provider characteristics (P = 0.004) as well as better handoff quality (P < 0.001) and clarity (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was associated with fewer errors and superior provider satisfaction.