You are preparing to transfer a patient to another unit. What information would you include in a safe and concise handoff?

Question

Accepted Answer

I would organize the handoff around the patient's identity, current status, key risk, recent changes, and next action. I would include the reason for transfer, relevant background, current observations, pending tests or medications, safety concerns such as fall risk or allergies, and what the receiving nurse should watch next. I would also pause for questions to make sure the information was received clearly.