Exploring Patient-Centered Handoffs in Surgical Oncology
Exploring Patient-Centered Handoffs in Surgical Oncology
To our knowledge, this is the first study about handoff participation for oncology inpatients and for patient perspectives in the United States. Expanding handoffs to include inpatients would be well supported by most oncology patients but will require substantial changes in behavior on the part of patients and nurses. Informatics implications include more creative and consistent use of the patients' whiteboards or a tailored tool with a shared EHR. Patient participation in handoffs could be one part of a larger effort for inpatients to assume a larger role in self-care.
Future research might include developing and evaluating specific patient-centered content and processes to support handoffs. This could be integrated with exploratory work on outpatient decision aids. More specific requirements for informatics tools are needed as well as information requirements and appropriate tools to support shared handoffs.
Limitations may affect the generalizability of the findings. The sample was more highly educated than most, which may reflect their willingness to participate in handoffs. Also, this study was completed in one cancer specialty hospital and findings may not be generalizable to other settings.
Conclusions, Future Directions, and Limitations
To our knowledge, this is the first study about handoff participation for oncology inpatients and for patient perspectives in the United States. Expanding handoffs to include inpatients would be well supported by most oncology patients but will require substantial changes in behavior on the part of patients and nurses. Informatics implications include more creative and consistent use of the patients' whiteboards or a tailored tool with a shared EHR. Patient participation in handoffs could be one part of a larger effort for inpatients to assume a larger role in self-care.
Future research might include developing and evaluating specific patient-centered content and processes to support handoffs. This could be integrated with exploratory work on outpatient decision aids. More specific requirements for informatics tools are needed as well as information requirements and appropriate tools to support shared handoffs.
Limitations may affect the generalizability of the findings. The sample was more highly educated than most, which may reflect their willingness to participate in handoffs. Also, this study was completed in one cancer specialty hospital and findings may not be generalizable to other settings.
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