A survey of the perceived quality of patient handover by ambulance staV in the resuscitation room

Objectives—The aim of this study was to examine the quality of handover of patients in the resuscitation room by describing the current perceptions of medical and ambulance staV. Methods—This was a descriptive survey using two anonymous questionnaires to gauge current opinion, one designed for medical staV and the other for ambulance staV. Questionnaires were distributed to medical staV in two teaching hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments and ambulance personnel in the Tayside region of Scotland. Results—30 medical and 67 ambulance staV completed questionnaires. Some 19.4% of ambulance staV received formal training in giving a handover, 83% of the remaining felt there was a need for training. Medical staV conveyed their belief that handovers were very variable between crews and that they did not feel radio reports were well structured. Ambulance crews felt that medical staV did not pay attention to their handovers. Ambulance staV seemed satisfied with the quality of their handovers, although medical staV were less positive particularly in the context of self poisoning and chest pain. Both seem to be least confident with regards to the handover of paediatric emergencies. Medical staV were generally less satisfied with the reporting of vital signs than the history provided. Conclusions—Despite a generally positive perception of handovers there may be some room for improvement, in particular in the area of medical emergencies. Ambulance staV training should produce a structure for the handover that is recognisable to medical staV. The aim being a smooth and eYcient transfer from prehospital agencies to A&E staV. (Emerg Med J 2001;18:293–296)