Risks of a sub-optimal clinical handover
The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations notes that 65% of sentinel events include communication as a contributing factor. 1
Inadequate handover impacts on patients and the organisation leading to adverse events such as:
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Delays in treatment / diagnosis
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Inappropriate treatment
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Increased health care costs
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Increased incidents
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Increased length of stay
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Injury
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Litigation
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Patient complaints
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Sentinel events