Improving Signout Accuracy and Information Delivery in the Emergency Department

The intervention phase included was the introduction of a standardized TOC (transfer of care) process, which occurred during April and May of 2012. TOC was done at a predefined location in each section of the emergency department (Medicine and Trauma). All participating residents were given a diagram detailing the central location and seating arrangement. The outgoing attending was designated to handle all distractions or disturbances that occurred during sign out. The most senior resident coming on to shift was designated the data resident. The data resident's role was to operate a centralized computer with the ED tracking board and EMR and review pending orders, vital signs and resulted labs and radiology reports after each patient was signed out. A brief pause was implemented to allow the oncoming team to ask any questions regarding that patient's care or course. The post TOC data form and protocol were identical to that of the control phase.