Quality Improvement Project: Improving the Handover Process Between Junior Doctors at the Hammersmith and Fulham Mental Health Unit

Aims Handover is an integral aspect of clinical work for all doctors. During on calls it involves the transfer responsibility and accountability some or aspects patient care, to another person a temporary basis. It potentially highly perilous step, when carried out improperly can cause errors compromising safety. In recent times, handover more important than ever due increase in shift patterns working. Further General Medical Council (GMC) has clear exceptions that doctors should ‘keep colleagues well informed sharing care patients.’ Methods At Hammersmith Fulham Mental Health Unit there was no formal junior doctor place between changes shift. information regular teams long day call adhoc, informal disorganised. 2021, we identified this significant safety concern, introduced sheet with populated table contained pertinent information: date request, location patient, demographic details regarding requested job whether task completed. Junior were instructed complete which kept folder room handing over doctor. If request urgent face not possible, encouraged telephone provide additional verbal handover. Results The GMC trainee survey strong negative outlier satisfaction rate 44.79% 2018. This evident again 2019, where as outcome comparison average score 48.26%. Having formalised handover, 2021 improvement 59.03%; together results now being within national average. Local feedback also supported finding increased confidence reported process. Conclusion Good does happen by chance; clearly demonstrated following implementation structured proforma at Unit. intervention only improved process but ultimately reduced potential risk