Evaluation of a Scientifically Developed Anesthesiology Handoff Protocol

<p>Communication failures have been cited as the leading cause of avoidable adverse events in healthcare. Specifically, within handoffs, these communication failures can cause error in the transfer of patient information. A multitude of factors can affect the transmission of patient information between providers including transactive memory, power distance, and conversational noise; however, literature suggests that the use of handoff protocols assist in improving communication and efficiency during handoffs. Studies regarding handoffs have typically centered on the content or delivery of the information during the handoff. To date, none have targeted the underlying mechanisms of the communication and their effects on the handoff conversation between providers. Furthermore, protocol creation is commonly accomplished using Delphi methods, rather than empirical methods. This dissertation aims to implement an empirically derived handoff protocol and to test variables grounded in the communication mechanisms of the handoff conversation, which are associated with handoff efficiency.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Factors

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Factors and Systems

Year

2017

Author dc:creator

• Welsh Webster, Kristen Lise

• anesthesiology
• handoff protocol
• human factors
• Ergonomics
• Health and Medical Administration

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/354

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1353