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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01130987

Implementing a Comprehensive Handoff Program to Improve Patient Safety

The investigators propose to test the hypothesis that implementation of a comprehensive handoff program (CHP) - i.e., implementation of a computerized handoff tool along with teamwork training for internal medicine residents on inpatient units at Walter Reed and Madigan Army Medical Centers - will lead to reductions in resident miscommunications / medical errors and improvements in workflow and experience on the wards.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Medical Errors

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, United States

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About this study

Following collection of baseline data on inpatient wards at both hospitals, teamwork training will be provided, accompanied by the introduction of a new computerized handoff tool that facilitates accurate transmission of data. The effects of this combined intervention on safety and workflow will be assessed on the intervention wards at both hospitals as compared with the historical control period.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • all internal medicine residents completing rotations through intervention units during data collection periods

Exclusion criteria

  • none

Treatment and study plan

Computerized handoff tool

Other

Computer program that facilitates accurate transmission of patient information between residents

Team training

Behavioral

Training in teamwork and reorganization of handoff processes to optimize transmission of information and team care

Primary outcomes

  1. Rates of resident communication and total medical errors

    Time frame: July 2010

Secondary outcomes

  1. Rates of all medical errors

    Time frame: July 2010

  2. Rates of verbal miscommunications

    Time frame: July 2010

  3. Rates of written miscommunications

    Time frame: July 2010

  4. Resident workflow, especially time spent updating the signout; time spent at bedside; time spent at computer

    Time frame: July 2010

  5. Resident care experience

    Time frame: July 2010

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Madigan Army Medical Center
  • United States Department of Defense
  • Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2010
Study completion
2010
First posted
May 26, 2010
Registry last updated
Jun 18, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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